Oil: Niger issues a 45-day ultimatum to Chinese companies

Niger has given 45 days to Chinese oil companies CNPCNP, WAPCO, and SORAZ to address their shortcomings, including the non-repatriation of over 3 trillion CFA francs in export revenues since oil sales began. The negotiation committee, led by Foreign Minister Bakary Yaou Sangaré, noted that only 105 billion CFA francs have been repatriated over two years. The issues also include lack of local recruitment, unverified reserves since 2008, and supply tensions linked to the Zinder refinery operating at 75% capacity.