Niger’s Shifting Accusations on Pipeline Sabotage – From Nigeria to China

By: Zagazola Makama

The mystery surrounding the wave of pipeline explosions in Niger Republic has taken a new twist, as authorities in Niamey shift blame from Nigeria and its allies to China, raising more questions than answers about the actors and motives behind these attacks.

Since the first reported sabotage on June 16, 2024, a series of large-scale explosions have rocked key oil infrastructure, severely disrupting crude oil transportation and exportation. While the Nigerien government initially accused Nigeria, France, and Benin, recent developments suggest a new diplomatic blame game, with China now at the center of the controversy.

For months, Nigerien authorities, particularly elements within the ruling military junta, accused regional and international actors of orchestrating attacks on its pipelines to exert economic and political pressure. The pipeline running from Niger’s Agadem oil field to the Benin coast has been a flashpoint in diplomatic tensions, especially after Benin refused to allow oil shipments over a political dispute with Niamey.

Initially, the First Peoples of the Liberation (FPL) claimed responsibility for the first explosion but have since remained silent on subsequent attacks. This led Niger’s junta to direct its accusations at neighboring countries, alleging that foreign backed sabotage aimed to destabilize its oil dependent economy.

However, in a recent confidential letter, Nigerien officials allegedly, accused China of secretly collaborating with Nigerien rebels to justify a halt in oil production, adding a new dimension to the crisis.

Why China?

China has been a major investor in Niger’s oil industry, funding the construction of the 2,000km-long Niger-Benin pipeline through the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC). With exports projected at 90,000 barrels per day, Beijing has significant stakes in Niger’s oil sector.
However, sources within Nigerien intelligence claim that Chinese interests could be benefiting from the attacks, using them as a pretext to renegotiate contracts or pressure Niamey into granting more favorable terms. Others speculate that factions within the Nigerien government could be pushing this narrative to shift public attention away from internal instability and economic hardship.

On the other hand, Chinese diplomatic sources have reportedly dismissed the allegations, suggesting instead that the so-called “petro-kidnappers” a term used for those controlling Niger’s oil resources could be staging these attacks to strengthen their bargaining power in contract negotiations.

Unanswered Questions

Beyond the accusations, several troubling questions remain: Why has no group claimed responsibility for the recent attacks?
How have the attackers managed to strike without being caught or leaving behind suspects? If China is involved, what does it stand to gain by sabotaging infrastructure it helped build? If the accusations against Nigeria and Benin were false, what was the motive behind Niger’s initial claims?

Another major mystery surrounds the Lakurawas, a shadowy group rumored to be involved in the attacks. Despite being frequently mentioned in official circles, the group has never issued a statement or made any demands, raising doubts about its very existence.

Analysts believe the real actors behind the sabotage could be operating from within Niger itself, using the attacks to advance personal or political agendas. By constantly shifting blame from Nigeria to France, Benin, and now China Niger’s junta may be obscuring the true source of the crisis.

Meanwhile, with no arrests, no confirmed perpetrators, and no resolution in sight, the pipeline fires remain a silent riddle, burning through Niger’s economic potential and regional diplomatic ties.

Until the real masterminds are identified, the only certainty is that ordinary Nigeriens remain the biggest victims of this unfolding crisis.

Niger’s Shifting Accusations on Pipeline Sabotage – From Nigeria to China