In the latest episode of escalating tensions between Benin and Niger, Benin has arrested five Nigerien nationals for allegedly entering the Seme port illegally. Niger responded by accusing Benin of kidnapping its oil company staff who were at the port to witness an oil shipment. Benin asserts that two of the detainees are agents of Niger’s military junta, using fake documents to access the facility. The port of Seme, crucial for exporting Niger’s oil, has become a flashpoint.
In May, Benin blocked oil shipments, accusing Niger of refusing to reopen its border. Although the blockade was lifted following China’s intervention, Niger, which closed its borders after a military takeover in July, alleges that Benin hosts French troops aiming to destabilize it.
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