Tensions between Niger and Benin have escalated further over a decision by Cotonou to prevent its landlocked neighbour from using its port to export its first crude oil, as a border dispute between the two rages on.

The blockade jeopardises Niger’s plan to start exporting crude oil to China under a $400 million deal. 

Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine said on Saturday that Benin’s blockade of its oil exports violated trade agreements between the two countries and with Niamey’s Chinese partners.

In a comment that further escalated the dispute, Zeine said Niger could not fully reopen its border with Benin for security reasons. And In response, Cotonou said it would only back down once Niamey reopened its border to goods coming from Benin and normalised relations.