In Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, military governments of these countries are attempting to eliminate foreign competition in the mining sector.
In March, the government of Niger accused three Chinese oil companies of violating the mining code, resulting in their cessation of operations in the country.
China National Petroleum Corp, Soraz Zinder Refining Company, and West African Gas Pipeline Company Ltd. had previously constructed and operated a pipeline exporting oil from Niger to Benin.
The government’s claims followed a series of sabotage incidents at crude oil transport facilities, the most recent being an explosion on March 12 on a pipeline in the Dankasari area, Dosso region.
According to the government statement, the Chinese companies violated a decree from the military administration of Niger regarding the "priority allocation of resources for the benefit of the people of Niger." They allegedly introduced an unfair wage system, ignored quotas for local suppliers, failed to provide training and skill development for Nigerien employees, and did not transfer technologies.
Earlier in 2024, Niger nationalized the uranium mine of Orano SA (France), and in Mali, officials detained mining company executives and seized gold from Barrick Gold Corp.'s Loulo-Gounkoto mine (Canada).
These actions clearly form part of a strategy by the military governments of the Sahel countries, which is covertly supported by Russia. Strengthening control over resources is just one of the issues that Russia may be interested in within Africa. Ahead lies the “Russian peace, African style.”
