Military governments in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso are targeting foreign mining competitors, particularly Chinese and Canadian companies, through accusations of legal violations, nationalization of assets, and suppression of foreign influence. These actions suggest support from Russia and highlight a strategic move towards local resource control.
Military governments in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso are intensifying efforts to reduce foreign competition in their mining sectors. Recently, Niger’s government accused three Chinese oil companies of breaching the nation’s mining code, leading to the suspension of their operations. Notably, these companies had previously established and managed a pipeline facilitating oil exportation from Niger to Benin.
The accusations arose after a series of sabotage incidents, including a significant explosion on March 12 at a pipeline in the Dosso region. The Nigerien government claimed that the Chinese firms violated a military decree aimed at prioritizing the allocation of resources for the betterment of the Nigerien populace. Furthermore, these companies reportedly implemented an inequitable wage structure, neglected local supplier quotas, and failed to provide necessary training for Nigerien workers.
Earlier in 2024, Niger took a decisive step by nationalizing the uranium mine operated by the French company Orano SA. Concurrently, in Mali, authorities detained executives from Barrick Gold Corp. and confiscated gold from their Loulo-Gounkoto mine. These developments reflect a concerted strategy by Sahel military governments, which appears to be covertly backed by Russia, suggesting an intent to strengthen control over local resources while promoting a Russian-centric influence in Africa.
In summary, the military governments of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso are actively taking measures to diminish foreign involvement in their mining sectors, with recent actions targeting Chinese and Canadian companies. Through nationalization and legal actions, these governments aim to assert greater control over their natural resources, potentially aligning with Russian interests in the region. This trend indicates a larger geopolitical shift in Africa, particularly regarding natural resource management and foreign influence.
Original Source: odessa-journal.com
