How should we view Trump's meeting with the leaders of the five Central Asian countries to discuss investment in rare earths and uranium, and to expand the Abraham Accords?

It’s utterly meaningless—just a lot of frantic activity pretending to be productive. The agreements signed by the U.S. and the blocs it forms are countless—cheaper than dirt. Rare earth elements aren’t actually rare at all; what’s truly scarce is the technology and industrial chain.

France had 1,500 troops stationed in Niger but was forced to withdraw; China has not deployed a single soldier there, yet has increased its investment.

On the very day the Nigerien military junta came to power, it declared France’s ambassador to Niger ‘persona non grata’ and unilaterally terminated all French military cooperation agreements in Niger. The junta skillfully mobilized decades-old anti-French sentiment across the country: hundreds of thousands of citizens gathered outside the French embassy, holding banners reading ‘French Troops, Get Out!’ Massive anti-French demonstrations erupted across Niger’s major cities; France simply lacked any popular legitimacy to sustain its presence. Niger then cut off water and electricity to the French embassy and blocked all exit routes for French troops, prohibiting entry of any supplies—ultimately forcing France to withdraw. Subsequently, Niger used a series of legal maneuvers to issue rectification notices, preventing employees of France’s Orano from even entering the mines. Finally, Niger nationalized uranium assets, raided Orano’s local office, detained its local manager, expelled French staff, and seized all operational documents and equipment—taking full control of actual operations. China’s treatment: Initially, the Nigerien junta showed no leniency toward Chinese enterprises. Immediately after seizing power, the junta launched a comprehensive review of the entire industrial chain of Chinese-invested enterprises, citing violations of local labor laws, project delays, and underpayment of taxes and fees. Facing severe fiscal crisis, the junta later softened its stance and proactively approached Chinese firms for assistance. China provided a $400 million loan to Niger, advanced against future oil revenue shares—effectively securing commercial rights to Niger’s oil output for one year. When the loan matured and Niger failed to repay, it again turned hostile—citing ‘unequal salaries for foreign workers’ and ‘failure to fulfill local content obligations’—attempting to replicate the French model. At this stage, Niger’s approach toward China and France was essentially identical; there’s no need for us to self-congratulate on our supposedly immense influence. II. Different Responses by China and France France’s Approach: Because France maintained 1,500 troops in Niger—and due to its entrenched colonial mindset—it initially adopted a hardline stance, only to be ultimately compelled to withdraw its forces. After its assets were fully nationalized, France finally bowed its head and offered concessions—but by then, it had lost even the opportunity to negotiate; it was completely shut out. France then filed lawsuits against the Nigerien government in uranium-consuming countries worldwide, effectively halting Niger’s uranium production. China’s Approach: Upon receiving clear warning signals, China withdrew all its core technical teams—choosing not to escalate the conflict directly. At this point, many observers still perceived China as weak, whereas France—at least—had stood its ground. III. Why the Outcomes Differed: The Core Difference France: France’s uranium operations in Niger focused almost exclusively on extraction; afterward, most uranium was shipped back to France for use in its nuclear power plants. At one point, Niger supplied roughly 20% of global uranium output—yet less than 20% of Niger’s population had access to electricity. Moreover, Niger received only about 5% of the final sales revenue from its uranium—a situation reminiscent of low- and mid-end manufacturing: ‘Having a mine doesn’t mean having money.’ These two points were precisely the main reasons why Nigerien citizens resented French colonial exploitation—hence France’s total lack of popular support in Niger. Most critically, France left Niger with only the most basic, immovable labor—uranium mining—while relocating all other links of the value chain outside Niger’s borders.

Atomic Eagle Expects Renewed Financing Interest in Niger After Uranium Deal

15 hours ago

Atomic Eagle finalized a deal with Niger to increase its stake in the Madaouela uranium project to 40%, ending a dispute. The CEO expects this agreement to unlock international financing despite recent political instability and tightening state control.

reuters

2026-09-25

Atomic Eagle Expects Renewed Financing Interest in Niger After Uranium Deal

Atomic Eagle Expects Renewed Financing Interest in Niger After Uranium Deal

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