Niger Junta Orders Departure of Chinese Oil Officials Amid Resource Control Push

Niger's military junta has ordered three Chinese officials working in the oil sector to leave the country. The directive, issued on Wednesday, affects the Niger-based directors of the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), the West African Oil Pipeline Company (WAPCo), and the joint venture oil refinery SORAZ. The officials were reportedly given 48 hours to depart, and have since left Niger. Disputes over local staff pay and project pace were cited as reasons for the expulsion. Separately, Niger's tourism ministry recently revoked the license of a Chinese-operated hotel in Niamey, alleging discriminatory practices. This action follows Niger's termination of defense agreements with the United States and France, and the government's acquisition of control over Orano's Somair uranium mine. Similar measures have been taken by military governments in Mali and Burkina Faso to exert greater control over resources.