Nigerien transitional leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani refused to receive a delegation sent by President Patrice Talon, according to the Beninese Minister of Mines.

The delegation was in Niamey for a two-day working visit in order to find “a way out” of the export of Nigerien oil via the Beninese coast, compromised by the diplomatic quarrel between the two States.

Addressing the media Benin’s Mine Minster Samou Seïdou Adambi, said the general’s refusal to meet the Talon’s representatives, further complicates the diplomatic rift.

Recall Niger inaugurated in November a giant oil pipeline which should allow the transport to Benin of crude oil extracted from the Agadem deposit (south-east) by the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), an oil company belonging to Chinese state.

But the first loading of Nigerien oil at the port of Sèmè Kpodji only took place on May 19.

Niger’s refusal to reopen its border with Benin despite the announcement of the end of sanctions in February subsequently prevented oil from transiting through Benin.

It took the mediation of the Chinese company Wapco, partner of Benin and Niger for the management of the pipeline, to convince the two parties to launch the first load.