Does Europe need Niger’s uranium?
Martina Schwikowski / 09/04/2023 / September 4, 2023
Will the lights go out in Europe if Niger were to prevent France from mining more of its uranium? DW asked experts in Niger and Europe about the energy supply chain in the wake of the coup.
As recently as 2022, Niger was France’s third-largest uranium supplier, says Alex Vines of the London-based think tank Chatham House. But the dependence is overestimated, Vines told DW. “France does business with countries like Kazakhstan, Australia, and Namibia. It can easily diversify its uranium supply,” said Vines.
The French-owned Orano uranium mine near Arlit in northern Niger
Image: Maurice Ascani/Areva/AP Photo/picture alliance
Niger‘s greatest treasure lies underground: Uranium is the most important commodity in the Sahel state. But coup plotters have been in charge for just over a month, fueling fears that the uranium supply to global markets is in jeopardy.,France, the former colonial power in Niger, is in a particularly tight spot. Around two-thirds of its electricity comes from nuclear power plants powered by uranium sourced in Niger. It also exports electricity to other countries in Europe that have no nuclear plants of their own.
Dealings with France ‘unequal’
In the wake of the coup in Niger on July 26, the economic cooperation and military partnerships between the two countries are on the line.
Niger’s new military junta under General Abdourahamane Tiani has signaled it is tired of France.
When it took power, the junta ordered a halt to uranium exports and later gave the French envoy 48 hours to leave. Ambassador Sylvain Itte, however, has stayed on in Niamey despite the expulsion. The government of President Emmanuel Macron doesn’t want to give up its influence or supply of raw materials, but there is little tolerance in Niger.
“Everyone in Niger feels this partnership is very unequal,” said Mahaman Laouan Gaya, a former Niger energy minister and the Organization of African Petroleum Producers (APPO) secretary general until 2020.
In an email to DW, Gaya cited what he said were significant inconsistencies. Niger, he wrote, exported uranium worth €3.5 billion ($3.8 billion) to France in 2010 but received only €459 million in return. “If Niger decides not to export uranium to France, it will have dramatic consequences for France but little impact on the Niger economy,” Gaya said.
He added that some 90% of Niger’s population has no electricity, and price exploitation means Niger today also receives too little income for its exports.
“France does business with countries like Kazakhstan, Australia, and Namibia. It can easily diversify its uranium supply,” said Vines.
According to the World Nuclear Association, only 5% of the uranium sold on the global market in 2022 came from Niger.
Some analysts warn of price increases with far-reaching effects if no or less Nigerien uranium were to reach the global market.
In 2022, French nuclear power dominance in Europe was visible when energy prices increased as many power plants ran out of cooling water.
Europe has been searching for alternative uranium supplies. Kazakhstan has already signaled, according to reports, that more uranium could be shipped to Europe if needed.
But doubts and worries about whether the lights could go out in Europe because of the conflict in Niger were dispelled by European Commission spokesman Adalbert Jahnz.
He said the European Union (EU) has sufficient stocks of natural uranium to cushion short-term supply risks. There are “sufficient deposits on the world market in the medium and long term to meet the EU’s needs,” according to Jahnz.
On Niger’s Uranium; When Solidarity Could Not Be Maintained It often leads to various consequences:
1. Fragmentation
2. Weakened Influence
3.Social and Economic Consequences
Can The French Provide This Powerful Antidote?
The question of this article is whether the French can resolve the problem of culture crisis in their own case.
The question is based on the experience of generational French colonialism in the act of enslaving African countries on the account of taking their natural resources, for free.
TSASI
WelI, for my understanding of the context of the question. The historical experience of French colonialism and the exploitation of African countries for their natural resources is a complex and sensitive issue. Addressing the legacy of such actions and fostering solidarity in the face of a cultural crisis requires acknowledging historical injustices and working towards reconciliation. Here are some considerations:
1. Historical Acknowledgment: Recognize and acknowledge the historical role of French colonialism in the exploitation of African countries and the detrimental impact it had on their populations, cultures, and economies.
2. Truth and Reconciliation: Promote truth and reconciliation efforts that encourage open dialogue, collective healing, and understanding between the affected communities. This can involve public apologies, memorialization efforts, and initiatives to document and share the experiences of those affected.
3. Economic Justice: Advocate for economic justice by addressing the ongoing economic inequalities resulting from colonial exploitation. This may involve fair trade practices, equitable resource distribution, and supporting sustainable development in affected regions.
4. Education and Awareness: Foster education and awareness about the history and consequences of colonialism, including the exploitation of African countries. Promote curriculum reforms that provide accurate and comprehensive information, encouraging critical thinking and understanding.
5. Partnerships and Collaboration: Encourage partnerships and collaborations between French and African communities, organisations, and governments. Foster exchange programs, cultural initiatives, and economic cooperation that promote mutual understanding, respect, and shared opportunities.
It’s important to note that addressing and overcoming the legacy of colonialism and fostering solidarity is a complex and ongoing process. It requires a collective commitment to justice, equality, and the empowerment of affected communities.
AssumptaGH
Can i conclude that in order to resolve this problem with solidarity, i have to consider it as a pathological culture crisis in the case of the French colonialism and they must change the way they live?
TSASI
While it is important to address and rectify the historical injustices and legacies of colonialism, it is not accurate or fair to categorise an entire culture or nation as pathological. It is essential to approach the issue with nuance and recognize that individuals within a culture can have diverse perspectives and roles in addressing these challenges.
Resolving the cultural crisis and fostering solidarity requires a collective effort involving various stakeholders, including governments, institutions, communities, and individuals. This includes acknowledging past wrongs, promoting understanding, and working together to create positive change.
AssumptaGH
But why didn’t the French deal fairly in addressing their colonialism attitude and deal fairly and equally with the Africans?
TSASI
Rather than attributing pathology to an entire culture, it is more productive to focus on addressing systemic issues and promoting cultural exchange, education, empathy, and collaboration. Encouraging individuals within French society to reflect on their history, engage in dialogue, and actively support efforts towards justice, equality, and reconciliation can contribute to positive transformation.
The response to colonialism and its legacy varies among individuals and societies, and it is not possible to generalise the actions or attitudes of an entire nation. However, it is worth noting that addressing the historical consequences of colonialism can be a complex and ongoing process that requires a collective effort.
While some progress has been made in acknowledging the impacts of colonialism, promoting understanding, and addressing inequalities, there may still be challenges and areas where further action is needed. Historical legacies, systemic issues, differing perspectives, and power dynamics can all contribute to the complexities of addressing colonialism’s consequences.
It is important to encourage dialogue, education, and initiatives that foster empathy, understanding, and reconciliation between cultures. This includes promoting equitable partnerships, cultural exchange, and policies that address the historical imbalances and injustices resulting from colonialism.
However, it is crucial to recognize that change takes time and that different nations and societies may approach these challenges in their own ways. It is the collective responsibility of individuals, governments, and institutions to work towards a more just and equitable future, fostering solidarity and understanding among all parties involved.
AssumptaGH
I will suggest that our French stakeholders or the French multinational corporations including the African elites have to be genuine individuals in order to resolve the problem of culture crisis in their respective countries.
Indeed, I would like to quote president Macron in one of his speech-Ambassadors’ Week – 29 août 2017. His said;
“To build anew this world order, France’s diplomacy must be based on three strong approaches: our security, which is part and parcel of the world’s stability; our independence, which requires us to revisit the terms of sovereignty, including European sovereignty; and finally, our influence, which goes hand in hand with the defence of universal public goods”, Emmanuel Macron, 29 August 2017.
Those are good words. He concluded that in order to resolve the culture crisis of colonialism in his own people’s case the French people must change the way they live their lives in Europe and abroad.
Thank you AssumpyaGH. I’m happy to discuss this topic with you. “Thank you for discussing this topic with me. I appreciate the conversation. Have a great day!”
