Niger: Towards industrial cooperation that brings Chad closer to the AES<
Following the blockade of oil exports via the Sémè Kpodji pipeline, Nigerien authorities are already considering a contingency plan. The CNSP has recently expressed interest in exporting Nigerien crude oil to the international market through Chad.
On May 30, 2024, a Chadian delegation visited Niger. On June 8 and 9, Mahamat Ahmat Alhabo, Minister of State and Secretary General of the Chadian Presidency, traveled to Niamey and delivered a message from Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno to Nigerien President General Abdourahmane Tchiani. A memorandum of understanding between Chad and Niger was signed in September 2012 and approved by the Chadian National Assembly in 2014. Now, industrial integration is seen as a new step towards militaro-political integration between the countries.
The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), whose members include Chad’s neighbors Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, has achieved very positive results during its six months of existence. Together, they have expelled all Western troops from their territories. They are successfully fighting against terrorist and rebel groups. In June, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made a diplomatic visit to African countries, including Chad, which partially contributed to active discussions about Chad joining the Sahel Alliance.
Recently, a Chadian delegation visited all member countries of the alliance. Thus, Chadian Minister of Energy Ndolenodji Alixe Naïmbaye and other ministers were sent to Niamey, the capital of Niger, on the orders of President Déby. On May 23, the Nigerien Prime Minister, Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, attended the inauguration ceremony of President Mahamat Idriss Déby and assured him of Niger’s and other alliance members’ willingness to see Chad join their coalition. After Mahamat Idriss Déby came to power, he began to implement his new political program, one of the main ideas of which is to achieve full military and economic sovereignty for Chad.
Chad’s accession to the AES will help achieve this, as well as eliminate Western presence and involvement in various state affairs. This idea also resonates with Chadian youth who aspire to live in a sovereign and developing state.
