Junta-led Niger plans to reduce Chinese oil workforce
Niger's junta-led government has requested the departure of several Chinese nationals working on oil projects, a move expected to impact dozens of employees and further strain relations with Beijing.
Oil Minister Sahabi Oumarou instructed the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) and its joint venture refinery, SORAZ, to terminate contracts of expatriate employees who have been in the country for over four years, Reuters reported.
In a letter dated May 21 to SORAZ, Oumarou signalled some flexibility, noting that exceptions could be made depending on the importance of specific staff. Departure decisions, he said, would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
However, in an earlier letter to CNPC dated May 20, Oumarou declined a request for a private meeting with the company's CEO and accused CNPC of not complying with local laws.
This follows a March decision by Niger's military government to expel three senior Chinese executives from the country's oil sector. The officials, who held key roles at CNPC, the West African Oil Pipeline Company (WAPCo), and the SORAZ refinery, were removed amid tensions over wage gaps between foreign staff and their lower-paid local counterparts.
Since the expulsions, CNPC has been seeking to open dialogue with Nigerien authorities, but tensions remain high.
West African militaries assert resource sovereignty
Military-led governments across West Africa are increasingly asserting control over their natural resources in a bid to boost local employment and claim a greater share of resource profits.
In Niger, the junta has taken several bold steps since seizing power, including scrapping military cooperation agreements with the U.S. and France and taking control of the Somair uranium mine previously operated by French nuclear company Orano.
Similar developments have unfolded in neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso, where military regimes have turned to legal and regulatory tools to consolidate power over valuable commodities like gold.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
22 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Enterprise Products says US set to deny export of three ethane cargoes to China
By Arathy Somasekhar and Georgina McCartney HOUSTON (Reuters) -Enterprise Products Partners said on Wednesday it received notice that the U.S. Commerce Department intends to deny its requests to export three proposed cargoes of ethane, totaling around 2.2 million barrels, to China. The U.S. and China are locked in an ongoing trade war after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed sweeping tariffs in early April. Pipeline and terminal operator Enterprise said last week that its ethane and butane exports could be hurt by a Department of Commerce requirement that it apply for a license to export to China. The company is one of the top U.S. handlers of ethane and butane through its port terminals. The Bureau of Industry and Security, an agency of the Department of Commerce, informed Enterprise in a letter two weeks ago that exports of ethane and butane pose an unacceptable risk of military end-use in China, according to a company filing. Enterprise said it has up to twenty days to respond to the BIS's notice about the denied export cargoes with any comments or rebuttals. Unless the company is advised otherwise by the BIS by the 45th day after the original notification, the denials will become final. The BIS did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The U.S. last week ordered a broad swathe of companies to stop shipping goods, including ethane and butane, to China without a license and revoked licenses already granted to certain suppliers. Ethane and butane, liquids separated from natural gas, are used to make plastics and chemicals and also for heating and cooking. Chinese petrochemical firms use ethane as a feedstock because it is a cheaper alternative than naphtha, while U.S. oil and gas producers need China to buy their natural gas liquids as domestic supply exceeds demand. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
30 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Former prime minister Bennett launches AI-powered public diplomacy campaign
'There is no starvation in Gaza. This is yet another lie from our enemies. Israel must engage in the battle for global perception," Bennett said. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett released a series of videos on Wednesday, created using artificial intelligence, aimed at debunking claims of famine in Gaza. The original video, filmed in English, was dubbed into seven additional languages using AI technology – Spanish, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Russian, and Arabic – in an effort to reach diverse global audiences. In the two-minute video, Bennett presents data on the scale of humanitarian aid delivered to the Gaza Strip. His message is clear: 'There is no starvation in Gaza. This is yet another lie from our enemies. Israel must engage in the battle for global perception. Unfortunately, there is no proper public diplomacy, no management – nothing. The stream of lies against IDF soldiers remains unanswered and could lead to arrests abroad, boycotts, and embargoes. Israel was attacked by barbaric murderers on October 7 and is currently fighting a defensive war.' Bennett's team explains that the initiative was born in response to a deteriorating international attitude toward Israel at both the public and governmental levels. 'This campaign fills the void left by the failure of the official state public diplomacy efforts. It confronts the wave of disinformation and lies being spread on social media, often orchestrated by pro-Palestinian organizations and anti-Israel actors,' said sources close to the former prime minister. Since October 7, Bennett has been giving lectures at international universities and appearing on foreign media outlets. The goal now is to influence the narrative in Israel's favor on social media as well. 'If a major event occurs, we'll produce more videos,' said his team, adding: 'We're not a government, but wherever we're needed, we'll be there.'
Yahoo
40 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Rhône Valley's Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages AOCs Increase Focus on Wine Tourism
The vibrant spirit and unique experiences put the region in a prime position to draw in visitors, both domestic and international, even further NEW YORK, June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Inter Rhône, the organization that represents the Rhône Valley Vineyards AOCs, is happy to share that the Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages AOCs, two significant appellations of the Rhône Valley, are concentrating on new and exciting wine tourism events and activities for consumers to explore this historic, dynamic part of the region. According to the French Ministry of Tourism, France is the world's leading tourist destination. The past few years have seen continued growth, with 2023 and 2024 seeing a record number of over 100 million visitors. The global wine tourism market is also expected to see continued growth over the next 10 years. The Côtes du Rhône, then, is poised to welcome visitors to this one-of-a-kind region: Imagine sipping wine under the sun, surrounded by medieval villages and rolling vineyards - the Côtes du Rhône is the ultimate getaway for adventure seekers, families, foodies, and culture lovers alike. Cultural and Historical WondersThe Côtes du Rhône is rich in history, with four UNESCO World Heritage sites, from the majestic Palais des Papes in Avignon, a 14th-century Gothic palace that once served as the residence of popes, to the Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct that stands as a marvel of engineering. Stepping back even further, the Grotte Chauvet 2 cave in Ardèche, an accurate replica of the original Chauvet Caves, showcases prehistoric art that is over 30,000 years old. The stunning wine-producing villages of Séguret, Aiguèze, and La Roque-sur-Cèze truly capture the heart of the Côtes du Rhône with their beautiful scenery. Sip, Savor, RepeatFor epicures, the Côtes du Rhône is home to a wide range of wines, from expressive reds and crisp whites to delicate rosés, paired with local delights like black truffles, creamy goat cheese, and Nyons olives for the ultimate tasting experience. Gastronomic experiences abound in the Côtes du Rhône, including chic bistros and picnics in the vineyards. Festivals, Music, and Good VibesThe Côtes du Rhône is known for its exciting fêtes, from lively music festivals to gourmet food events. Whether tasting through a wine festival or experiencing a traditional celebration, there is always a reason to raise a glass! Nature, but Make It FunFor visitors looking for outdoor adventures, the Côtes du Rhône is full of activities, from cycling through the vineyards on the scenic EuroVelo 17 (aka 'Via Rhôna'), hiking through breathtaking landscapes, to taking a guided wine walk. Sustainability is key here, and the region is dedicated to preserving its natural beauty. Wine Tourism: A New EraWineries here are leaning into consumer interests - moving away from stuffy tastings and shaking things up with even more hands-on experiences, such as blending workshops, themed tastings, sensory tastings, massages in the vineyards, and overnight vineyard stays. The Côtes du Rhône region is appealing to those who are wine newbies, as well as to seasoned connoisseurs, with a wide range of unique experiences and something for everyone. Tourists interested in planning an unforgettable trip to the Côtes du Rhône can for insider tips and must-visit spots. About Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages AOCsCôtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages AOCs are two significant appellations within the Rhône Valley wine region of France, renowned for their diverse and high-quality wines. Côtes du Rhône AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) is one of the largest and most renowned appellations in France, covering vast vineyard areas along the Rhône River. It encompasses both the Northern and Southern Rhône regions, allowing for a wide range of grape varieties and wine styles. Produced in 172 communes on rich and varied terroirs, regional Côtes du Rhône is notable for its diversity, its character and a blend that guarantees a quality wine. Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC represents a step up in quality and specificity within the Côtes du Rhône appellation. This designation is reserved for wines that meet stricter production standards and come from specific communes or villages within the Rhône Valley. The regulations limit yields and dictate stricter guidelines for grape growing and winemaking practices, ensuring higher quality standards. Within the Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC, there are also specific villages entitled to append their name to the label, denoting even higher quality standards. There are 21 such villages, each recognized for their unique terroir and historical winemaking traditions. For more information, please visit and for photos, please visit Press Contacts:Erin HealyColangelo & Partnersehealy@ Béatrice MialonInter Rhônebmialon@inter-rhô View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Inter Rhône Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
