Niger’s oil minister, Sahabi Oumarou, has asked the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) and its refinery SORAZ to terminate the contracts of expatriates who have been working in Niger for more than four years.
The move could affect dozens of Chinese workers and further strain bilateral ties between Niger and China.
The letters, dated May 20 and May 21, indicate that some flexibility may be applied on a case-by-case basis, but CNPC has been accused of non-compliance with local regulations.
This development comes after Niger expelled three Chinese oil executives in March over salary disparities between expatriate and local staff.
China’s foreign ministry spokesperson stated that ensuring long-term and healthy development of China-Niger oil cooperation is in the common interest of both parties and specific issues can be resolved through friendly negotiations.
