Uranium Goes Critical in Niger: Tuareg RebellionsThreaten Sahelian Conflagration

Abstract

The article analyses the causes and implications of the ongoing Tuareg rebellions in Niger and Mali. While the larger and more widespread rebellion in Niger is generally attributed to the Niger Tuareg's demands for a greater and more equitable share of the country's uranium revenues, the article reveals that both rebellions, while centering on grievances associated with marginalisation, indigenous land rights and the exploitation of mineral resources, are far more complex. Other key elements are the continuing impact on the region of the global war on terror; competing imperialisms and sub‐imperialisms; the associated interests of multinational mining companies; environmental threats and the interests of international drug‐traffickers. The article also details the human rights abuses inflicted on the civilian populations in both Niger and Mali by the recently US‐trained militaries.