Oil: Niger seeks new cooperation with Algeria

Niger has requested Algerian expertise after the September 25 eruption at the Goumeri W-8 oil well in the Agadem block. Crude oil and gas were shooting more than ten metres into the air; as of October 12, the incident was partly contained but not fully under control, and its cause remained unknown. Algerian experts are expected to assess the damage and identify technical solutions, as the platform is damaged and two nearby installations are at risk. The request builds on closer ties between the two countries, including energy projects and visits to Algeria by Abdourahamane Tiani and Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine.