Niger: Unlike France, China wants to play its part in finding a solution to the crisis
In the Sahel, Niger represents a major strategic challenge for China. It has interests in the hydrocarbons sector, among others.
China is keen to help resolve the political crisis that has gripped Niger in recent weeks.
In an unexpected move, the Chinese ambassador to Niger, Jing Feng, met Niger’s transitional prime minister, Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, in Niamey to discuss this mediation initiative.
With the threat of military intervention in Niger under the impetus of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Chinese interests in the country are at risk.
Having understood the troubled game that France wants to play in Niger by putting its foot in everyone’s mouth, China wants to assume its responsibilities as an economic partner to block any military intervention.
Even if the bellicose ardour of France and its ECOWAS vassals has calmed down somewhat recently, the plan to destroy Niger has not been totally abandoned.
In fact, China is working with Niger in several strategic sectors, notably hydrocarbons.
In particular, the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) group is exploiting the oil deposits identified in the Agadem region.
The Chinese company is also involved in the construction of the 1,982 km pipeline from the Agadem black gold reserves to the port of Sèmè in Benin.
These activities are scheduled for completion this year, but will be delayed by the current political climate.
China’s mediation proposal offers hope of a peaceful resolution to the political crisis in Niger.
However, many challenges remain, not least the ongoing discussions with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) concerning the lifting of sanctions and the possible withdrawal of French soldiers stationed in Niger.
Fayçal BADIE
