During a press conference this Saturday, May 11, the Nigerien Prime Minister castigated the Beninese authorities. Relations with the southern neighbor are extremely tense and diplomatic relations at a standstill. In question, the closure of the border on the Niger side, and the blocking of hydrocarbon exports on the other.
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Surrounded by certain members of the junta and the Minister of Oil, the Prime Minister of Niger, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine accuse him Benign of wanting to economically asphyxiate Niger.
According to him, the blocking of the export of crude oil via the port of Sémè Kpodji violates around ten bilateral agreements signed between the two countries, but also with the China, co-owner of the company which exploits Nigerien hydrocarbons.
Read alsoBenin: President Talon confirms the ban on shipping Nigerien oil via Sémè Kraké
For Mahaman Lamine Zeine, thousands of direct jobs and significant tax revenues are at risk. May’s beginning, Benin has banned ships from loading Nigerien oil as long as Niamey does not reopen its border
Another statement from the transitional Prime Minister: the border with Benin remains closed, “ Security Question “, he said…
French bases in Benin
Mahaman Lamine Zeine also claims to have proof of the presence of five French bases in Benin. They would house “ terrorists who must come to destabilize our country “.
For many security analysts in the region, Benin and France certainly cooperate militarily – Cotonou has never hidden this – but the accusation of wanting to “destabilize” its Nigerien neighbor is, according to these many experts, unfounded.
Read alsoThere is no plan for a French military base in Benin, the Beninese government denies
Mahaman Lamine Zeine ended his speech with a form of opening. He wants a solution to be found… Niger has asked the Chinese side to play mediator…