The Benin authorities have violated agreements on the export of crude oil, the Prime Minister of Niger’s transitional government, Lamine Zein Ali Mahamane, stated on May 11, Agence Nigérienne de Presse reports.
During a press conference, Lamine Zein clarified Niger’s position regarding the statement by the President of the Republic of Benin, Patrice Talon, on the ban on exporting crude oil from Niger.
Also read: Benin bans oil shipments from Niger
The Prime Minister of Niger recalled that all relevant regulations had been adopted before the creation of the Niger-Benin pipeline and that more than ten agreements had been signed. All these documents have been adopted so that no incident or incidence can prevent the achievement of the objective for which this pipeline was created.
“But all these agreements were violated by the Benin authorities”Lamine Zein stated, highlighting that there are bilateral agreements between Niger and Benin, between the Republic of Benin and China, as well as a tripartite agreement.
The Prime Minister of the transitional government of Niger read to the press an extract of the agreement signed by the Benin authorities on August 5, 2019: “The State of Benin shall not modify, cancel or terminate (………) the effects of this agreement or any other project document or financial document without the prior written consent of the company and the project itself”.
Thus, Niger indicated that the Benin part “I developed the provisions with my own hands”which in no case allow it to supply and release Niger’s crude oil into the sea and the international market.
Lamin Zein also recalled that international standards do not allow preventing an inland country from having access to the sea.
“We believe that the Beninese people have lessons to learn on this issue.”He concluded.
Recall that the Niger-Benin pipeline, built by China, was put into operation in early November 2023 and crude oil exports through it began in January 2024.
Let us also remember that the decision to ban the shipment of oil through this pipeline was taken to force Niger to open its land borders with Benin.
Also read: Nigerien authorities explain the reasons for closing the border with Benin
Source: Rossa Primavera
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