Near the Benin-Nigeria border in Seme-Krake, the charred ruins of a contraband fuel depot tell a grim tale. On September 23, 2023, an explosion at the site claimed 34 lives, leaving behind a scene of devastation marked by thick, black smoke and numerous burnt remains. This tragic event set the backdrop for escalating tensions between Benin and Niger.
In a sharp turn of events, Benin authorities detained five Nigerien nationals at the Seme-Kpodji port on Wednesday. These individuals allegedly entered the oil export site without proper identification, as stated by Elonm Mario Metonou, special prosecutor at CRIET, Benin’s court for financial crimes and terrorism.
The relationship between Niamey and Porto-Novo has been fraught since a military coup in Niger ousted President Mohamed Bazoum last July. This upheaval prompted a West African bloc to impose sanctions and halt trade temporarily. The reopening of the border and the initiation of oil loading operations in Beninese waters, managed by China’s Wapco, only added to the strain.
Despite Beninese national television announcing the lifting of the blockade on Nigerien oil and the unblocking of the Benin-Niger pipeline, the arrest of the five Nigeriens threatens to exacerbate the already tense situation. The prosecutor revealed that these individuals, claiming to be WAPCO Niger employees, were found with falsified badges. Among them were agents from Niger’s National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), the military group in power post-coup.
The Nigerien government reacted strongly. On Thursday evening, Niger’s justice and oil ministers confirmed the detention of Ibra Hadiza, WAPCO’s deputy general director, and four engineers on a supervisory mission. Oil Minister Mahamane Moustapha Barke accused Benin of breaching agreements regarding the transportation of crude oil, agreements which stipulate the presence of officials from Benin, Niger, and China during loading operations.
General Abdourahamane Tiani, the head of Niger’s military regime, has threatened to halt operations at the Koulele pumping station in northeastern Niger unless the detained team members are released, intensifying the diplomatic standoff. Investigations into the matter are ongoing, and the situation remains precarious as both nations navigate this complex and volatile dispute.
