Niger uranium hits international market • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Niger's Uranium Sales: Niger, a significant uranium producer, is asserting its right to sell its uranium to any buyer, including Russia, despite objections from France and the European Union.
• Geopolitical Shift in Africa: Russia's increasing influence in Africa, particularly in former French colonies, is noted, with Russia providing security assistance against jihadist groups.
• Declining French Influence: France's historical colonial ties and commercial interests in Africa are diminishing, marked by the expulsion of French forces and a general dislike of French presence in several West and Central African nations.
• Security Concerns: The transit of Nigerien uranium through regions controlled by jihadist groups poses a significant security risk, with concerns about potential acquisition by these groups.
• French Commercial Interests: France's government faces a challenge in separating its national security interests from its significant commercial interests (e.g., banks, oil companies) in its former colonies.

Niger's Uranium Sovereignty and Russia's Role

The core of the discussion revolves around Niger's decision to sell its uranium, a resource vital for France's civil nuclear reactors (approximately 20% of France's needs were met by Niger). The president of Niger, a general leading the junta, has unequivocally stated, "This is our uranium. We will sell it to whom we want, as we wish, when we want." This assertion highlights Niger's sovereign right over its natural resources.

International media reports suggest that some of Niger's uranium has already been transported to Togo, with the intention of it subsequently going to Russia. While these are reports, they indicate a potential shift in uranium supply chains. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the United States might view Russia as a preferable buyer over Iran, another potential market.

However, France and the European Union lack the means to prevent Niger from selling its uranium to any chosen buyer. A significant security concern arises from the transit route of the uranium. To reach coastal export points like Togo, the uranium must cross territories controlled by jihadist groups. This presents a substantial risk of these groups potentially acquiring the uranium during transit, a worry for the EU and France.

Russia's Growing Influence in Africa

The transcript points to Russia's increasing influence across Africa. Russia is actively assisting many former French colonies in their fight against jihadist insurgencies. While experts do not necessarily see Russian efforts as more successful than French ones, the trend of Russian involvement is undeniable. This growing influence is a key factor in Niger's decision to engage with Russia.

Declining French Influence and Historical Context

The situation underscores a significant decline in French influence, power, and commercial interests in Africa. This is a stark contrast to past decades, where French presidents attempted to reset relations with African nations, moving from paternalistic approaches to emphasizing equality and commercial partnerships. Emmanuel Macron's early presidency, with its focus on equal commercial relationships, is cited as an example of this evolving, yet ultimately strained, dynamic.

France is now widely disliked in many West and Central African countries where it was the former colonial power. While some of this sentiment is attributed to deliberate Russian propaganda, there appears to be a genuine dislike for France for various reasons.

Scapegoating and Expulsion of French Forces

For many West and Central African governments, using France as a scapegoat is a convenient and classic political strategy. It is easy to take actions that will anger France, especially in countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, all of which have expelled French forces in recent years.

Historically, France maintained military bases in its former colonies for many years, with the acquiescence of those nations. These bases were often requested by African leaders to help combat jihadist threats. By the end of the current year, Djibouti will be the only remaining French military base in the region. This withdrawal signifies the end of an era of French military presence and influence.

Complexities of French Commercial Interests

The relationship between France and its former colonies is described as complicated. It is difficult for any former colonial power, including France, to disentangle its own commercial interests from its broader foreign policy objectives. Significant French commercial interests, including major banks and oil companies, exist in these countries. The French government faces the challenge of defending these interests while navigating the evolving political landscape.

The transcript notes that French soldiers lost lives in operations in countries like Tunisia and Mali, undertaken to push back jihadist groups. This sacrifice leads to a sentiment among some French citizens that if their presence is no longer desired, then so be it, reflecting the reality of a shifting relationship.

Conclusion

The current relationship between France and many of its former African colonies is characterized by strain and a significant decline in French influence. Niger's assertion of sovereignty over its uranium and its decision to sell to Russia, coupled with the expulsion of French forces from several nations, exemplifies this trend. Security concerns regarding uranium transit and the complex interplay of historical ties, commercial interests, and geopolitical shifts are central to understanding this evolving dynamic.