Benin arrested five Nigerien nationals this week alleging their illegal entry into the port of Seme. In response, Niger accused Benin of arrested employees of its oil company who were present at the port to oversee the loading of an oil shipment
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A recent development has intensified the ongoing conflict between West African neighbors Benin and Niger which have been accuing each other of hostility since May.
As per reports, Benin arrested five Nigerien nationals this week alleging their illegal entry into the port of Seme. In response, Niger accused Benin of arrested employees of its oil company who were present at the port to oversee the loading of an oil shipment.
Benin says two of the detained individuals are operatives of Niger’s military junta and purportedly used counterfeit documents to gain access to the facility.
The port of Seme has emerged as a focal point in the strained relations between the two neighboring nations. Landlocked Niger operates a pipeline from its oil fields to this port, where its crude oil is loaded onto tankers for export.
However, tensions escalated in May when Benin obstructed the shipment of oil, citing Niamey’s refusal to reopen its borders for trade. The blockade on oil shipments was eventually lifted following intervention from China.
Niger implemented border closures after a military coup last July. While Benin has since reopened its side of the border, it has urged Niger to reciprocate.
Niger alleges that Benin hosts French troops on its territory, which it claims are attempting to destabilize the country.
Source link : https://www.firstpost.com/world/tensions-escalate-between-west-africas-benin-and-niger-over-border-disputes-13780912.html
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Publish date : 2024-06-10 10:29:42
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