U.S. faces strategic setback in Africa as it is set to withdraw troops from Niger

Sub: IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

On April 19th, 2024 the United States announced the withdrawal of its military forces from Niger under pressure from the ruling junta, the Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP).

US-Niger Relations:

Previously, the US considered Niger a crucial partner in combating Islamist extremism.
The coup in July 2023 significantly strained these relations, leading to the suspension of US aid and military operations in Niger.
Reasons for Withdrawal:
- Sovereignty and Legitimacy: The CNSP framed the decision to expel US troops as a move to reclaim sovereignty and gain legitimacy for its non-democratic government.
- Anti-Western Sentiment: Similar to the expulsion of French forces, the removal of US troops played into local anti-Western sentiments, which bolstered support for the junta.
Fact: Niger was colonised by the French and got independence in 1960.

Impact and Analysis:

The withdrawal is expected to hinder the fight against terrorism in the region. The US military presence was vital for operations against al-Qaida and ISIS.
Strategic Shift: This move represents a setback for US influence in the Sahel, as Russia and China are increasingly filling the vacuum left by Western powers.
The US seeks to maintain strong ties across Africa, focusing on democratic governance and economic partnerships. However, growing anti-Western sentiment and local political dynamics pose challenges.

Influence of Russia and China:

Russia has been actively disrupting Western influence in Africa, using military aid and mercenaries to establish ties with regimes like the CNSP. The arrival of Russian forces in Niger underscores this trend.
While Russia is making strategic inroads, China’s economic engagement and long-term investments present a more significant challenge to US interests in Africa.

Niger:

A landlocked country in West Africa.
Bordered by Libya to the northeast, Chad to the east, Nigeria to the south, Benin and Burkina Faso to the southwest, Mali to the west, and Algeria to the northwest.
Largest landlocked country in West Africa and the second largest landlocked nation in Africa behind Chad.
Over 80% of its land area lies in the Sahara.
Capital- Niamey

What is Niger’s uranium history?

Uranium was first discovered at Azelik in Niger in 1957, and commercial uranium production began at Arlit – 900 km northeast of the capital Niamey – in 1971.
COMINAK (Compagnie Minière d’Akouta) – also majority-owned by Orano (French company) – began production from an underground mine at Akouta in 1978.
The Societe des Mines d’Azelik SA (SOMINA) joint venture was set up in 2007 to mine at Azelik/Teguidda, 160km southwest of Arlit, in the Agadez region.
China National Uranium Corporation has recently been carrying out studies towards the restart of production at SOMINA.
Imouraren project: Located about 50 miles south of Arlit and about 100 miles north of Agadez, this deposit, discovered in 1966, contains one of the largest reserves in the world.

How much uranium does Niger produce?

Niger produced 2020 tU in 2022, just over 4% of world uranium output.
Current production is from the open-pit operations of SOMAÏR (Société des Mines de l’Aïr), near the town of Arlit.
SOMAÏR is 63.4% owned by French company Orano and 36.66% owned by Sopamin (Société du Patrimoine des Mines du Niger). Sopamin manages Niger’s state participation in mining ventures.
According to data from the World Bank, uranium is Niger’s second largest export, in monetary terms, after gold.
Export:
- Niger supplies around 5% of the world’s uranium but is a leading supplier of uranium to the European Union.

Highest Uranium producers globally: Kazakhstan, followed by Canada, Namibia, Australia, Uzbekistan, Russia, Niger, China and India.