Niger is the new energy producing hub in the Sahel and as such, it is providing hope for other nations in the region that their energy problems would be reduced given Niger’s hydrocarbon reserves. Niger already has a deal to supply Mali. But there has been a significant delay in the delivery of fuel and hydrocarbons to neighboring Mali. The latter, more precisely its main energy firm Energie Du Mali (EDM) has already spent money to procure more than 150 million liters of fuel. Niger already received some 1 billion CFA Francs, or nearly US$1.8 million, to deliver the precious liquid. But Mali was recently told to wait indefinitely. While Niger has that fuel in its depots, it has become apparent that it has chosen to prioritize China instead, despite promises of more cooperation among the three Sahel juntas of Mali, Niger and Burkina. Mali is now upset about this situation and is threatening to revisit the contract should Niger continue to drag its feet.