The China-backed Niger-Benin Export Pipeline that would make Niger an oil-exporting country is being threatened by an internal security crisis and a diplomatic dispute with neighboring Benin.
- These issues arose after last year’s coup that toppled Niger’s democratic government.
About Niger
- Niger, located in West Africa, is a landlocked country known for its vast desert landscapes and significant cultural heritage.
- The northern region of Niger is dominated by the Sahara Desert, comprising more than half of the country.
- The central part of Niger is characterized by the Sahel, a semi-arid transition zone between the Sahara
- The Aïr Mountains, located in the northern central part are a significant mountain range with the highest peak, Mont Idoukal-n-Taghès (2,022 m).
- The Niger River is the country’s primary water source.
- Lake Chad is a significant body of water shared with Nigeria, Chad, and Cameroon. Its size keep on fluctuating.
About Niger Benin Export Pipeline
- The 1,930-kilometer pipeline runs from Niger’s Chinese-built Agadem oil field to the port of Cotonou in Benin.
- It was designed to help Niger achieve an almost 5x increase in oil production through a $400 million deal with China’s state-run national petroleum company.
- The pipeline faces significant challenges, including a recent diplomatic disagreement with Benin.
- These issues threaten to strain Niger’s economy, heavily reliant on external support now withheld after a coup.
UPSC Prelims PYQ : 2018
Ques : Which of the following has/have shrunk immensely/dried up in the recent past due to human activities?
1. Aral Sea
2. Black Sea
3. Lake Baikal
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3
c) 2 only
d) 1 and 3
Ans : a)
