Niger's Interior Ministry restricts gas sales amid security concerns

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
13 Sep 2023 19:39
1 Shares

Certain gas stations in the capital city of Niamey and other volatile areas had been openly selling gasoline in bulk, in defiance of previous restrictions, the ministry pointed out.

Motorcyclists ride by the entrance of the airport in Niamey, Niger, on August 8, 2023. (AP)

Niger's interior minister, appointed by the junta, has implemented restrictions on gasoline sales at fuel stations this week. The reason behind this move is owed to national security concerns, with the minister suggesting that surplus fuel was being channeled to support criminal and terrorist organizations.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the minister declared that this action effectively constitutes a "formal prohibition for gas stations... to sell more than two 25-liter gas canisters," under the threat of prosecution for those found violating this directive on charges related to endangering or aiding in endangering state security.

The minister further explained that certain gas stations in the capital city of Niamey and other volatile areas had been openly selling gasoline in bulk, in defiance of previous restrictions. He cautioned that this illegal fuel trade was providing criminal and terrorist groups with the mobility required to carry out attacks against both civilians and national armed forces.

Breaking 🚨 - Niger 🇳🇪 the support committee and citizen vigil initiative caught a network of traffickers who have been delivering fuel (gas) to the terrorists.

As you can see, many Nigériens (our own ) are colluding with the forces of evil. I always said that we have more to… pic.twitter.com/fQZrbuekVK
— Sy Marcus Herve Traore (@marcus_herve) September 12, 2023

Following the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum by an elite guard force in late July, the West African nation has been under military rule. This event led to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) issuing a warning of potential military intervention.

Earlier in the day, the military junta in Niger announced it will terminate a military agreement with neighboring Benin, accusing it of authorizing the deployment of soldiers on its territory for a possible ECOWAS military attack against Niger.

In a statement conveyed by national television, the junta indicated that Benin had "authorized the deployment of soldiers, mercenaries, and war materials" in anticipation of a possible ECOWAS attack.

It pointed out that, as a result, the new Nigerien authorities "decide to renounce the military cooperation agreement (with Benin)."