The Benin government announced a ban on crude oil exports from landlocked Niger using Benin’s port.
According to local media reports, Benin President Patrice Talon said that Niger was acting “hostile” towards them. Talon announced that they had banned neighboring Niger from exporting crude oil through their territory due to a border dispute between the two countries.
Talon accused Niger of not cooperating to restore relations, saying, “If you want to pass your oil through our waters, you must take into account that Benin is not an enemy country and its territory cannot be subject to illegal trade.”
Talon added that if the Niger authorities decide to formally cooperate with Benin, they will reconsider their decision. No statement has yet been made by the Niger administration in response to the decision taken by Benin.
Background of the incident
Relations between the two countries deteriorated after the military coup in Niger last year. Benin and other West African countries imposed sanctions on Niger after the coup, including closing its borders, which were eased in February.
