Niger’s ambitious 1,930-kilometer oil pipeline, backed by China, faces significant challenges due to internal conflict and a diplomatic row with Benin, both stemming from last year’s coup. The pipeline, crucial for transforming Niger into an oil-exporting nation by increasing production almost fivefold, has been stalled. Security threats have intensified with the local Patriotic Liberation Front attacking the pipeline, demanding the cancellation of the $400 million deal with China.