An armed group opposing Niger’s military junta claimed responsibility for disabling a section of the key China-backed oil pipeline on Sunday night. The attack, aimed at disrupting oil exports to China, threatens further instability in the West African nation.
The Patriotic Liberation Front (FPL), which emerged following Niger’s July 2023 coup, said it targeted the pipeline to pressure Niger’s government and its Chinese partners, China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC), to cancel a $400 million export deal. The 2,000 km pipeline transports oil from Niger’s Agadem field to Benin’s coast for export.
“Failing this,” the FPL warned, “all oil assets will be paralyzed in the next few actions.” Neither the Nigerien government nor the Chinese companies involved responded to requests for comment.
This attack adds another layer to the ongoing crisis surrounding the pipeline. Niger shut down the pipeline last week due to a separate dispute with Benin, the pipeline’s exit point. This decision followed an attack by unidentified assailants on soldiers guarding the pipeline, which resulted in the deaths of six soldiers.
While the FPL claims responsibility for the latest attack, no group has yet admitted to the attack on soldiers. The presence of insurgent groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State in the region raises concerns about potential involvement from these militants.
The situation highlights the growing security challenges facing Niger’s oil industry and the potential economic impact of disruptions to exports. It remains to be seen how the government will respond to the FPL’s threat and whether it can resolve its disputes with both Benin and the attackers.