Niger’s Minister of State for the Interior, Public Security, and Territorial Administration, General Mohamed Toumba, received the Chinese ambassador to Niger, Lyu Guijun.
The two officials discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the security sector, against the backdrop of the strategic partnership between Niamey and Beijing, which has been marked in recent years by discussions surrounding the oil sector.
The Nigerien Minister of the Interior, Public Security, and Territorial Administration, General Mohamed Toumba, received the Chinese ambassador to Niger, Lyu Guijun, in an audience, where they discussed prospects for strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
After the customary greetings and expressions of gratitude for the efforts made in consolidating bilateral relations, the two officials reviewed the Niger-China partnership before discussing ways to build an even more dynamic and mutually beneficial cooperation.
According to the Nigerien Ministry of the Interior, the discussions focused in particular on mechanisms likely to strengthen security cooperation and contribute to the stabilization of communities, in a regional context marked by the persistent challenges of terrorism and transnational crime.
On this occasion, the Chinese diplomat informed the Nigerien minister of his country’s organization of the first International Public Security Forum, scheduled to take place in Beijing from September 8 to 13, 2026.
A strategic partnership dominated by energy
The meeting takes place within the framework of a long-standing bilateral relationship between Niamey and Beijing, established in 1974 and progressively strengthened around several sectors, including infrastructure, energy, health, and technical cooperation.
China has become a major partner of Niger in the oil sector, through the exploitation of the Agadem oil field and the construction of the Niger-Benin pipeline intended for the export of Nigerien crude to international markets.
This partnership has, however, experienced periods of tension in recent years. Nigerien authorities have expressed concerns regarding the economic impact of oil exploitation, the status of Nigerien workers in Chinese companies, the wage gap between expatriates and local employees, and skills transfer.
In 2025, disputes arose between Niamey and certain Chinese companies operating in the energy sector, leading Nigerien authorities to request a rebalancing of cooperation.
Both sides, however, prioritized dialogue to preserve their shared interests.
Cooperation set to evolve
Despite these adjustments, Beijing and Niamey continue to demonstrate their commitment to strengthening their partnership. Security cooperation has emerged as a new facet of bilateral exchanges, alongside traditional economic sectors.
For Niger, China remains a strategic partner in its policy of diversifying alliances and developing its natural resources.
For Beijing, the country represents an important partner in West Africa, particularly in the energy and infrastructure sectors.
AC/fss/as/APA