Niger’s Oil Crisis: Military Regime Expels Chinese Executives and Closes Chinese-Run Hotel
Background
Niger has been grappling with an unprecedented petrol shortage this month. To address this crisis, the military regime in power since 2023 has taken drastic measures to secure revenues from the country’s mining and oil resources.
Expulsion of Chinese Oil Executives
Niger’s military rulers have expelled three Chinese oil executives from the country, media reports and an official decree indicated today. The Chinese managers from the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), which is drilling for crude in the country, the refining company Soraz, and pipeline operator Wapco, were given two days’ notice to leave the country.
Hotel Closure
Separately, a decree from the tourism ministry, seen by AFP, revoked the licence for the four-star Soluxe International hotel, accusing the Chinese-owned business of "discriminatory practices" and fiscal irregularities. The hotel, which opened in 2015, mostly houses workers for the three companies targeted by the expulsions.
Background on the Military Regime
The military regime took power in Niger in a coup in 2023 and has vowed to secure revenues from its mining and oil resources. In February, Petrol minister Sahabi Oumarou demanded a plan to secure positions in Soraz for Nigerien executives and salary guarantees for Nigerien workers, complaining that local employees were paid less than foreigners.
Petrol Shortage
Niger, which produces oil but refines only a small amount of it, has been grappling since the start of the month with an unprecedented petrol shortage. The shortage has led to long queues at gas stations and a sense of uncertainty among the population.
Conclusion
The expulsions and hotel closure are a significant step by the military regime to assert its control over the country’s oil resources. While the move may be seen as a bold step to address the petrol shortage, it is also a complex issue that requires careful consideration of the country’s economic and social implications.
FAQs
- What is the background on the petrol shortage in Niger?
Niger, which produces oil but refines only a small amount of it, has been grappling with an unprecedented petrol shortage since the start of the month. - Why were the Chinese oil executives expelled?
The exact reason for the expulsions is unclear, but an online commentator close to the regime reported that the executives had "ignored" the authorities’ demands for measures to ensure Nigeriens benefit from the oil extraction. - What is the background on the military regime in Niger?
The military regime took power in Niger in a coup in 2023 and has vowed to secure revenues from its mining and oil resources.