Niger planned on China-backed oil pipeline -- then troubles began

ABUJA, Nigeria - A China-backed pipeline that would make Niger an oil-exporting country is being threatened by an internal security crisis and a diplomatic dispute with neighboring Benin, both a result of last year's coup that toppled the West African nation's democratic government.

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 he