Niger has requested that some Chinese workers employed in the country’s oil projects leave, according to documents seen by Reuters on Friday, a move that could affect dozens of workers and strain relations between the two countries.
The letters from Oil Minister Sahabi Oumarou, dated May 20 and 21, were addressed to the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) and its refinery, SORAZ. Oumarou asked the companies to terminate the contracts of expatriates who have been in Niger for more than four years.
Niger, like other West African nations, has been pushing for greater control over its natural resources and to create more jobs for its citizens.
A spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry said CNPC had made economic and social contributions in Niger “for many years” and stressed the need for “friendly negotiations” to resolve specific issues. “Ensuring the long-term and healthy development of China-Niger oil cooperation is in line with the common interests of both parties,” the spokesperson said.
In the May 21 letter to SORAZ, Oumarou suggested some flexibility, noting that departure decisions would be made on a case-by-case basis. However, in the May 20 letter to CNPC, he declined a private meeting with the company’s CEO, who had sought to discuss tensions.
Oumarou also accused CNPC of failing to comply with local regulations. In March, Niger expelled three Chinese oil executives in a dispute over wage disparities between Chinese expatriates and local workers.
Following the expulsions, CNPC officials have been seeking a meeting with the Nigerien government, a source close to the company said. If the latest government orders are implemented, dozens of Chinese workers will have to leave the country, the source added.