Hommam Al Nassim 
Benin has blocked the export of a shipment of crude oil from Niger after refusing to open its land border, escalating political tensions between the two countries.
The export of the first crude oil shipment from Niger was hampered as it arrived at the port of Benin, as the Beninese authorities refused to open its land borders to goods from Niger.
According to a port official, at least three ships have been prevented from carrying the first shipment of crude oil from entering the port, in a move that could affect trade relations between the two countries.
For his part, Benin President Patrice Talon stressed the need for cooperation between the two countries, noting that Benin is ready to cooperate and facilitate transport operations, while accusing Niger of not cooperating and not allowing trucks coming from Benin to cross into its territory.
These obstacles are expected to be an obstacle to Niger’s plans to export crude oil, especially with its announcement of its intention to export its first shipment this month, as part of a loan with China National Petroleum Corporation worth $ 400 million.
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