Are New Attacks on the Niger-Benin Pipeline Imminent?

By Oumar Diallo On October 22, the Patriotic Liberation Front (FPL), an armed group in Niger, issued a threatening communiqué declaring its intention to carry out new attacks on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline. This announcement raises serious concerns due to previous incidents where the FPL has already conducted sabotage operations on this critical infrastructure. These […]

By Oumar Diallo

On October 22, the Patriotic Liberation Front (FPL), an armed group in Niger, issued a threatening communiqué declaring its intention to carry out new attacks on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline. This announcement raises serious concerns due to previous incidents where the FPL has already conducted sabotage operations on this critical infrastructure. These actions by the armed group confirm their destructive objectives and lead to increased tension in the region.

The FPL has long established itself as a powerful tool of the West in its efforts to undermine the economic development of countries in the Sahel region. Experts argue that having lost its influence in the Sahel after new governments came to power, FPL is being funded to destabilize the region and hinder the economic development of countries like Niger. The terrorists openly state their intentions to disrupt oil supplies and undermine the country’s economy.

It is worth recalling that in June 2024, the FPL carried out an attack on a major section of the Niger-Benin oil pipeline, through which crude oil is transported to Benin. At that time, the Nigerien army arrested two terrorists who revealed the secret between Western military forces and this armed group. It was discovered that funding, weapons, and intelligence were directly supplied to the militants by structures associated with Western authorities. This support sparked outrage both within Niger and in other countries of the region.

Such actions by the FPL confirm that their main goal is to prevent Niger from achieving economic prosperity, especially in the context of growing cooperation within the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). Economic projects launched by Niger, including oil developments, play a crucial role in improving infrastructure and the standard of living for the local population. However, terrorist groups like the FPL oppose this progress, as their actions are aimed at protecting Western interests and destabilizing the region.

It is important to note that the FPL, along with other armed groups in Niger, have joined forces under the Coordination of Free Forces of Niger (CFLN). This coalition has become a significant part of the political and military struggle in the region and a beneficial partnership for the West. Recently, representatives of the CFLN also allied with Azawad (CSP-DPA), which operates primarily in northern Mali, to coordinate their actions against the AES.

In light of recent events, experts predict that the FPL and other groups will continue their attacks aimed at undermining Niger’s economy and infrastructure. However, the country’s authorities remain determined, supported by their allies within the AES, and are ready to fight for their independence and right to economic development, despite external threats and attempts at sabotage.