Niger’s military government has expelled three Chinese officials from the oil sector in a move reflecting broader efforts by West African military regimes to assert greater control over their natural resources.
- Niger’s military government expelled three Chinese officials from the oil sector.
- The expulsion reflects broader efforts by West African military regimes to assert greater control over natural resources.
- Disputes over local staff wages and project execution led to the expulsion.
Niger’s military government has expelled three Chinese officials from the oil sector in a move reflecting broader efforts by West African military regimes to assert greater control over their natural resources.
The officials, who hold key positions at the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), the West African Oil Pipeline Company (WAPCo), and the joint venture oil refinery SORAZ, were notified of their departure order on Wednesday.
By Friday, they had already departed, according to a source close to the government.
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Another source familiar with the affected companies stated that the officials were expelled due to disputes over local staff wages and delays in project execution.
In 2023, Niger signed a $400 million memorandum of understanding with CNPC related to crude oil sales from the Agadem oilfield. However, recent actions by the junta signal a shift in the country’s approach to foreign investments in its resources.
Since taking power, the Nigerien military government has scrapped defence agreements with the U.S. and France and seized control of the French nuclear fuels company Orano’s Somair uranium mine.
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In a separate move, Niger’s tourism ministry last week revoked the license of the Chinese-operated Soluxe International hotel, accusing it of “discriminatory practices” and fiscal irregularities.
West African military tighten grip mining
Similar moves have been seen in Mali and Burkina Faso, where military governments have used legal disputes to strengthen control over key resources such as gold.
In January, Canadian mining giant Barrick Gold temporarily halted operations at its Loulo-Gounkoto complex in Mali after the Malian government seized gold stocks from its site.
Like Niger, the move is part of the government’s efforts to assert greater control over the mining sector and increase its share of resource profits.
