
Military juntas in West Africa are increasing pressure on foreign mining companies, seeking to assert greater control over the lucrative natural resources sector.
In a recent incident, Malian authorities seized three tonnes of gold from a major mining complex, escalating tensions with Canadian mining giant Barrick Gold.
This move follows a pattern of increased pressure on foreign mining companies by the juntas that have taken power in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger in recent years. These governments are seeking to renegotiate mining contracts and increase their share of profits, citing the need to address poverty and fund their fight against jihadist insurgencies.
Other mining companies, including Australian and Canadian firms, have also faced increased scrutiny and pressure from the juntas.
While these actions aim to increase government revenue and assert national sovereignty over natural resources, they also raise concerns about potential negative impacts on foreign investment and economic growth in the region.
However, some analysts argue that these moves are necessary to address historical inequities and ensure that the benefits of mining operations are more equitably shared with local communities.
This changing dynamic in the mining sector reflects the shifting political landscape in West Africa and the growing assertiveness of the juntas in asserting their control over the country’s resources.