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The neighbors in West Africa are trading charges against each other. The latest is Benin’s arrest of five people from Niger nationals at the port of Seme illegally. The port of Seme has become a flashpoint in relations between the neighbors
The row between Benin and Niger is escalating despite the downslide of economic benefits for both countries if they are in a conflict zone. The neighbors in West Africa are trading charges against each other. The latest is Benin’s arrest of five people from Niger nationals at the port of Seme illegally. The port of Seme has become a flashpoint in relations between the neighbors.
Niger, in turn, accused Benin of kidnapping staff of its oil company posted at the port to witness the loading of an oil shipment. Benin denies those accusations claiming that the persons arrested were agents of Niger’s army junta. It further alleged that those who were arrested used fake documents to access the facility. Landlocked Niger has a pipeline from its oilfields to the port of Seme in Benin where its crude on loaded into tankers for export.
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But in May, Benin blocked the shipment of oil accusing Niamey of refusing to reopen its border to trade. The blockade on oil shipments was later lifted following China’s intervention. Niger shut its borders following an army takeover last July. Benin has since reopened its side of the border and has requested Niger to do the same. But Niger accuses Benin of hosting French troops on its soil which it says seek to destabilize the country.
