Uranium games in Niger and the US-Franco competition

http://rt.com/op-edge/165092-west-africa-uranium-games/



Uranium games in Niger and the US-Franco competition
Published time: June 11, 2014 02:13

The West has actively been making multidimensional inroads into Africa over the past decade, largely of a malignant nature. The US and its NATO allies are interested in market potential, energy prospects, and military engagement.

The West has lately been focusing on the latter, as seen by the recent Libyan and Malian escapades, and the military maneuverings centered around Boko Haram are but the most recent chapter in the ongoing Western militarization of Africa (aimed against China).

France has been de-facto appointed as the US’ “lead from behind partner” in this region, but the relationship between the two NATO allies is not as secure as it initially seems. Through the overlap of security responsibilities in uranium-rich Niger, the US is positioning itself for long-term control of the uranium mines that help drive France’s economy.

Ever since the 2011 NATO War in Libya (with active French participation), the US has been pursuing the lead from behind strategy that sees “discreet US military assistance with [others] doing the trumpeting”. France’s lead in the Malian War proved its commitment to being the American bulldog in North and West Africa. As further confirmation of this de-facto leadership, France convened a gathering of West African leaders (all former French colonies, with the exception of Nigeria) in Paris last month to discuss the Boko Haram kidnappings and regional military cooperation. Quite clearly, France is taking the lead in West Africa while the US supervises from behind.