Why is Niger so Poor and Why the Anti-French Sentiment?

On October 3, 2023October 9, 2023 By Dr. Y.In Great Moments3 Comments

Somebody recently asked why the anti-French sentiment was so high in West Africa and in particular in Niger. After all, France is the land of lights and liberties, so why would anyone not like France? The person argued that Africans and Nigeriens in particular had no reason to have such feelings toward France.

For all who look at the index of countries in the world, Niger is the poorest country in the world, yet it is so rich in uranium, and among the world’s first producers of uranium in the world. For many years, France’s nuclear centrals were fully furnished ONLY by the uranium from Niger, and in 2021 Niger was the main supplier for the EU.

Let’s do the math, focusing just on uranium, shall we? Niger produces about 130,000 tons of uranium per year. Uranium was not traded internationally for many years. At some point, the price for 1 kg of uranium was about 200 Euros, worth about 131,118 FCFA (the currency imposed upon Niger and 14 other countries in Africa by France, FCFA, The 11 Components of the French Colonial Tax in Africa). Thus, this uranium should bring to Niger about 26,000,000,000 Euros per year ==> 26,000,000,000 x 655.59 FCFA = 17,045,340,000,000 FCFA. It has been over 50 years that uranium has been exploited in Niger. Thus, 26,000,000,000 Euros in 50 years = 1,300,000,000,000 Euros or 17,045,340,000,000 FCFA in 50 years = 852,267,000,000,000 FCFA.

However, France does not pay Niger’s uranium 200 Euros per kg, but rather 0.80 Euro per kg (4000 FCFA vs 131,118 FCFA Industrial Info Resources)!!! And when Mamadou Tamdja, former president of Niger asked France to increase the price to 10 meager Euros, he was deposed in a coup d’etat (Africa: Can you Feel the Wind of Change?)!

Thus for 130,000 tons of uranium per year, Niger receives 520,000,000,000 FCFA. In 50 years, Niger has only gotten about 26,000,000,000,000 FCFA.

In summary, Niger losses equal 852,267,000,000,000 – 26,000,000,000,000 FCFA = 826,267,000,000,000 FCFA = 1,294,800,000,000 Euros in 50 years of exploitation of Niger. And all this math is without counting the money taken away by France with the FCFA currency (∼50%)! No wonder Niger is so poor!

Then in recent days, we heard France’s government claim in the media that France gives out 130,000,000 Euros per year to Niger for help; France is so generous, isn’t it? However, this amount represents about 1/200th of what France has been “taking” home from Niger from uranium only. Remember that France’s companies in Niger (and in countless other African countries) do not pay taxes in Niger, but in France! And this is only the uranium of Niger! Niger has gold, and other resources that France has been taking out dirt cheap. This is only Niger, JUST think about the other 14 African countries!!! NO WONDER NIGER IS POOR… ITS WEALTH IS IN FRANCE’S COFFERS. After this mathematics exercise, if you were Nigerien, can you love France?

P.S.: The current price of uranium is about $73 per lbs, so about 70 Euros/lbs today. This exercise can be done to apply to today’s prices.

France set to Withdraw Troops and Ambassador from Niger

On September 26, 2023 By Dr. Y.In Great MomentsLeave a comment

The diplomatic tug-of-war between France and Niger has finally come to an end? President Macron of France said that France will be withdrawing its troops and ambassador from Niger. It has taken almost 2 months for France to agree to remove its ambassador and troops. On August 26, Niger’s government asked the French ambassador to join them for talks like they do with all diplomatic representations in their country. France refused and said that they could not talk to a junta, as they only recognized the fallen president Bazoum as an interlocutor. Niger’s authorities then gave the French ambassador, Sylvain Itte, 48 hours to leave their country given that France would not recognize them on their own soil. France refused to withdraw their ambassador, stating that it doesn’t recognize the coup-plotters as the country’s legitimate leaders. Niger’s authorities then revoked the diplomatic immunity of France‘s ambassador and ordered the police to expel him from the West African country. If the ambassador and his family were found anywhere outside of the embassy, they were considered persona non grata and will be deported immediately; they posted military outside which checked every car entering or leaving the embassy.

President Macron finally came to his senses and has decided to withdraw the 1500 French troops stationed in Niger, as well as his ambassador. This is the best way to avoid further humiliation. This is a step forward. However, the Niger authorities and people need to stay alert, this is not the end. There is no way France or Europe will leave the uranium and other resources of Niger just like that. There are still American, German, and Italian forces on Niger’s soil: there is a strong solidarity among Europeans, they act as a United force. Excerpts below are from the BBC.

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President Emmanuel Macron has said France will withdraw its ambassador and end all military co-operation with Niger following a coup.

“France has decided to withdraw its ambassador. In the next hours our ambassador and several diplomats will return to France,” Mr Macron said.

He added that military co-operation was “over” and French troops would leave in “the months to come“.

The military junta [Niger authorities] which seized power in Niger in July welcomed the move.

“This Sunday we celebrate a new step towards the sovereignty of Niger,” the junta said, in a statement quoted by AFP news agency.

There are about 1,500 French soldiers in the landlocked West African country helping to fight Islamist militants. The US also has more than 1,000 troops in Niger but these have not been asked to leave.

The decision by Paris follows months of animosity and protests against the French presence in its former colony, with regular demonstrations in the capital Niamey.

The move deals a hammer blow to France’s operations against jihadists in the wider Sahel region and Paris’ influence there. But Mr Macron said France would “not be held hostage by the putschists,” …

Mr Macron said he still regarded ousted Niger President Mohamed Bazoum, currently held prisoner by the coup leaders, as the country’s “sole legitimate authority” and had informed him of his decision. He described the deposed president as a “hostage“.

“He was targeted by this coup d’etat because he was carrying out courageous reforms and because there was a largely ethnic settling of scores and a lot of political cowardice,” he said.

Niger is one of several former French colonies in West and Central Africa where the military has recently seized control – it follows Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali and Chad. …

Anti-French vitriol has flourished in the region in recent years, with many local politicians accusing Paris of carrying out neocolonialist policies – a charge denied by France.

….

Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Sign a Mutual Defence Pact

On September 19, 2023September 19, 2023 By Dr. Y.In Great MomentsLeave a comment

Map of Liptako-Gourma region (Source: aha-international.org)

We raise our hats to Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, countries which have signed the Liptako-Gourma Charter, a mutual defense pact to protect their countries, and fight effectively against terrorists which have been occupying the northern parts of their territories.

The Liptako-Gourma Charter establishes the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which aims to “establish an architecture of collective defence and mutual assistance for the benefit of our populations“, Colonel and leader of Mali, Assimi Goïta wrote on X.

The Liptako-Gourma area is a region of over 370,000 km2, shared among the three countries, and which has been at the heart of the jihadists’ attack in recent years. It is difficult for a single country to face terrorists or try to defend itself, when those jihadists after attacking one run into the neighboring country in impunity. All three countries are faced with the same issues, and by this charter, they unite their efforts to defend themselves, thus tripling their forces.

“This alliance will be a combination of military and economic efforts between the three countries“, Mali’s Defence Minister Abdoulaye Diop told journalists. “Our priority is the fight against terrorism in the three countries.”

The West African regional bloc ECOWAS has threatened to intervene militarily in Niger over the 26 July coup. Mali and Burkina Faso have quickly responded by saying that any such operation would be deemed a “declaration of war” against them (Niger Coup d’Etat: Airspace Closure, Sanctions, Diplomatic Overtures?, All Eyes on Niger, Niger – France Diplomatic Arm Wrestling). Thus the Liptako-Gourma is a clear creation of a defense alliance for these countries, a normal evolution, and a breath of fresh air. As always, united we stand.

Below are excerpts from AfricaNews. The Liptako region was part of the ancient Liptako Emirate, don’t forget to check out the 1891 treaty with France pertaining to the Liptako kingdom.

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The military leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger on Saturday signed a mutual defence pact, ministerial delegations from the three Sahel countries announced in Mali’s capital Bamako.

The Liptako-Gourma Charter establishes the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), Mali’s junta leader Assimi Goita posted on X, the social network formerly known as Twitter. Its aim is to “establish an architecture of collective defence and mutual assistance for the benefit of our populations“, he wrote.

…

A jihadist insurgency that erupted in northern Mali in 2012 spread to Niger and Burkina Faso in 2015. All three countries have undergone coups since 2020, most recently Niger, where soldiers in July overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum. The West African regional bloc ECOWAS has threatened to intervene militarily in Niger over the coup. Mali and Burkina Faso quickly responded by saying that any such operation would be deemed a “declaration of war” against them.

– Mutual defence pact –

The charter signed on Saturday binds the signatories to assist one another — including militarily — in the event of an attack on any one of them.

“Any attack on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of one or more contracting parties shall be considered as an aggression against the other parties and shall give rise to a duty of assistance… including the use of armed force to restore and ensure security“, it states.

It also binds the three countries to work to prevent or settle armed rebellions.

…

Never Before Seen Catastrophes hit Morocco and Libya Few Days apart

On September 13, 2023September 13, 2023 By Dr. Y.In Great Moments2 Comments

Our hearts go out to our Moroccan brothers and sisters whose country was hit by a magnitude 6.8 earthquake last Friday; this earthquake, the deadliest seen in the country in over a century, is said to have claimed over 3,000 lives. Similarly, our hearts and prayers accompany our Libyan brothers and sisters whose country was hit by unbelievable floods Tuesday which are said to have claimed between 5,000 – 10,000 lives, and displaced at least 30,000 people; these are also the worst floods Libya has seen in its history. How could such horrendous, never seen before, catastrophes hit countries in the Mediterranean at the same time? Both countries border Algeria on the west and east.

Talking about the earthquake in Morocco on Monday, most articles in the Western media, instead of focusing on the catastrophe, were focusing instead on the fact that Morocco has not allowed rescue teams from all countries to enter their territory, but just a few; in particular, they kept mentioning the fact that Morocco had not allowed French teams on the territory. Every article then was written following that angle, i.e. ‘Morocco is accepting rescue teams from some countries and not others,’ or ‘people are dying because the Moroccan government is not allowing all countries to join in the rescue‘… Some of these Western media and countries act like Africans’ pain should be examined with magnifying glasses, and we ought to accept everything. Isn’t it the right of a sovereign country to take its own decisions? Unbelievable, isn’t it? Who cares which rescue teams you allow on your territory? If some countries are so eager to help, why not send money, food, equipment, etc, instead of turning Moroccan pain into a diplomatic issue. By the way, shouldn’t the question instead be ‘Why is Morocco refusing aid from France and some other countries?’ Could it possibly have something to do with the fact that a couple of weeks ago, France asked to use Moroccan airspace to attack Niger, and maybe Morocco would like to make sure all efforts remain humanitarians? France had also asked to use Algerian airspace to attack Niger, but was denied.

Then disaster hit Libya. The death toll is said to be so high because when the storm hit, 2 dams 8 miles apart located outside the city also failed; it is said that the infrastructure was not well-maintained. Given that NATO and its cronies have messed up Libya to the point of no return by pillaging and looting it after killing Kadhafi, there is no real government in the country. Now giant French war planes are landing in Libya for rescue. War planes for humanitarian rescues? The floods hit the city of Derna on the Benghazi side, from where the attack against Kadhafi’s government were mounted in 2011. Since there is no real government or rather the Benghazi puppet government is weak, anything could fly over their airspace, thus making rescue efforts difficult to coordinate.

Our prayers go out to all our Moroccan and Libyan brothers and sisters. Africa stands with you. Neighboring countries should help when possible and remain on high alert.

Celebrating 3 Million Views on the African Heritage Blog !!!

On September 11, 2023September 11, 2023 By Dr. Y.In Great Moments4 Comments

At the end of August, the African Heritage blog passed the 3 million views cap. This is a celebration of YOU, the readers, and subscribers. Thank you for your constant support, readership, comments, corrections, and contributions. It has not been easy, given the Google search algorithms which have been trying to bury the blog away over the years. Many have said that people no longer read, people no longer have time, the attention span is reducing, times are changing, and most prefer TikTok and all the latest trendy short media form. We, at Afrolegends.com, are thankful for your renewed trust and support, and understand that YOU, the reader, have a choice, and appreciate being part of that choice.

With the current world geopolitical shift involving the BRICS and more, it is clear that the world is changing, and Africa is embarking on a new journey. There is a new Scramble for Africa. The weeks, months, and years ahead will be difficult, fun, unique, and will hopefully mark a new birth for Africa. Please join us as we usher in the new era, the era of the liberation of Africa! As always, as Agostinho Neto said, “A luta continua e la vitoria e certa,” and Thomas Sankara to add, “La Patrie ou la mort, nous vaincrons! / Homeland or death, we shall overcome!” Sankara also said that ” Only Struggle liberates, …” This is a struggle to the finish!

Germany Matches DNA from African Skulls looted during Colonial Era

On September 8, 2023September 8, 2023 By Dr. Y.In Great Moments2 Comments

Authorities of the SPK Museum, Berlin’s Museum of Prehistory and Early History, have announced this week that they have been able to trace living relatives to ancient skulls pillaged by German forces in East Africa during the colonial era, using DNA analysis.

This is no easy fit, and the museum’s director has lauded it as a “small miracle.” Why? Well because from a study of at least 1,100 skulls found in the 7,700 skulls collection acquired from the Berlin’s Charité Hospital Museum, SPK museum researchers were able to gather enough information on 8 skulls to make a search for specific descendants. A complete genetic match was established between one of the skulls and a man still alive today. The clue: a single word inscribed on the skull “Akida,” who is believed to have been a high-ranking advisor to Mangi Meli, a ruler of the Chagga people in the 1890s in the Kilimanjaro Region of Tanzania. It is no secret the fate that this advisor must have found, given that Mangi Meli was hanged and decapitated by the Germans for leading an uprising against German invaders in 1900, along with 19 other Chagga, Meru, and Arusha leaders; one can only guess that the Akida must have been hanged with King Meli. This raises an important question: where are the skulls of Mangi Meli, and the other Chagga, Meru, and Arusha leaders? We all remember that King Mkwawa’s skull was part of the Treaty of Versailles’s negotiation; so it will be no surprise that other kings’ skulls are found somewhere in the basements of German museums.

The SPK collection is controversial because of its origins: at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, the German empire took thousands of skulls from its colonies for research into racial classification, many of the skulls were from colonial victims, and part of loots. I still have a hard time understanding why, as part of a loot, invaders will take skulls of the defeated, unless it is for more than just a racial study? A few years ago, the SPK returned 20 skulls to Namibia; those skulls were thought to belong the Nama and Herero tribes who suffered a genocide at the hands of Germans at the beginning of the 20th century (Germany Returns Skulls of Namibians Genocide Victims, the first genocide of the 20th century).

Excerpts below are from DW. Enjoy!

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A Berlin museum said on Tuesday it had established a clear link between three skulls taken to Germany during the colonial era and living relatives in Tanzania.

The German capital’s Museum of Prehistory and Early History carried out DNA analysis on hundreds of skulls with the aim of returning the remains to descendants.

Berlin’s SPK museum authority said in a statement that it was the first time that DNA research had provided a clear link between such remains and living descendants.

“The relatives and the government of Tanzania will now be informed as soon as possible,” the statement said.

… Museum researchers gathered enough information on eight of the skulls to make a search for specific descendants viable, the SPK said. Saliva samples were taken from possible descendants.

A complete genetic match for one of the skulls was found with a man still alive today.

The skull was marked with the title “Akida” which already indicated that it belonged to a known senior adviser to Mangi Meli (1866-1900), a powerful leader of the Chagga people.

…

Niger – France Diplomatic Arm Wrestling

On September 5, 2023September 5, 2023 By Dr. Y.In Great Moments1 Comment

A lot of events have happened in Niger in recent days. On August 26, Niger’s government asked the French ambassador to join them for talks like they do with all diplomatic representations in their country. France refused and said that they could not talk to a junta, as they only recognized the fallen president Bazoum as an interlocutor. Niger’s authorities then gave the French ambassador, Sylvain Itte, 48 hours to leave their country given that France does not recognize them on their own soil. The Quai d’Orsay (France) said that their ambassador will not leave Niger, stating that it doesn’t recognize the coup-plotters as the country’s legitimate leaders, and said Thursday August 31, that their ambassador remains in place despite the expulsion threats (France defies Niger’s ultimatum). Imagine the arrogance: you are in my house, I ask you to leave, and you refuse to leave, claiming that I have no authority in my house!

Niger’s authorities have now revoked the diplomatic immunity of France‘s ambassador and ordered the police to expel him from the West African country, according to a statement from the military regime. The communique sent by Niger’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday said Itte “no longer enjoys the privileges and immunities attached to his status as a member of the diplomatic staff of the embassy.” The document also says the diplomatic cards and visas of the ambassador’s families have been canceled. The Niger government also cut electricity and water from the embassy. Furthermore, they have posted police and military outside the embassy to check every car that goes in and out of the embassy. If the ambassador and his family are found anywhere outside of the embassy, they are considered persona non grata and will be deported immediately.

Many believe that France is taunting Niger: given that the French embassy (as any diplomatic representation) is considered French soil in Niger, attacking it to remove the French ambassador will be seen as an act of war against France, and will thus give France the full rights to bomb Niger; after all, it is no secret that France has a French military base in Niger with about 1500 soldiers.

Over the weekend, thousands of people have rallied in Niamey, the capital, to demand that France withdraw its ambassador and troops from the West African country as its new military rulers have accused the former colonial power of “interference”. They have now laid siege over the French military bases in Niamey and Zinder, asking for France to leave their country.

Do you see France’s double standard? In Niger, France calls the military who took over the power, “junta“, “putschists“, “coup-plotters“, “mutinous soldiers“, and refuse to recognize their authority even though they are supported by the population; yet in Gabon, France and all western media call the military who deposed the president, the “new president“, “new Head of state“, “new government“. Isn’t it clear to all, which country is really having a revolution for the good of the people?

Is the Wind of Change blowing in Gabon too?

On August 30, 2023September 5, 2023 By Dr. Y.In Great Moments2 Comments

On August 30, 2023, we all woke up to a coup d’etat in Gabon by the army. The military took over, and cancelled the results of Saturday’s election in which Mr. Ali Bongo was declared winner the night before on August 29, but the opposition led by Albert Ondo Ossa claimed it was a fraudulent election. In an announcement on Gabon’s state TV on Wednesday, the coup leaders said their republican guard chief, General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, had been “unanimously” designated president of a transitional committee to lead the country. Note that Oligui is a cousin of Bongo and used to be the bodyguard of Bongo’s father, the late President Omar Bongo. He was also head of the secret service in 2019 before becoming head of the republican guard.

This coup puts an end to 56 years of the Bongo dynasty. Ali Bongo came to power at the end of his father Omar Bongo‘s 42 years in power from 1967 to 2009. Bongo son, Ali, ruled the country for 14 years, and although he had suffered a stroke in 2018, he was vying for a third term in office during these past elections. After his stroke, television appearances had shown him leaning heavily on a silver-topped cane. He had appeared healthier during the latest election when he was again declared victor – until military officers stepped in. Oil-rich Gabon has been known as the piece de resistance of France in the entire central African region.

Many who have heard news of the coup in Gabon, which puts an end to 56 years of one family treacherous rule, popped bottles of champagne, and rightfully so. This coup comes on the heels of the one in Niger last month on 26 July 2023, and we cannot help but rejoice and long for genuine change. Is the wind of change really blowing in Gabon as well? or is it simply France understanding that given the current anti-French climate in Africa, and in order to keep control over their biggest cow in the Francafrique’s chessboard, understanding that the people of Gabon had had enough of Ali Bongo, and not trusting that they could control the opposition guy who had been voted by the people, chose to place their very own puppet instead? After all, the day after controversial elections, if the military is there to defend the democracy of the country as they claimed in their speech, why not have votes recounted? Why not have the election results reversed since the people selected Ossa to lead them? Why hold Bongo and son under house arrest, but release the first lady (who is French), Sylvia Bongo Ondimba, who, as everybody knows has been the one leading the country since her husband’s stroke in 2018? Lastly, the new leader is a cousin of Bongo: are we going to have a similar scenario to David Dacko-Jean-Bedel Bokassa of Central African Republic (CAR)?

Upcoming days will tell us which way this wind is blowing.

To read more, check out this article “A ‘Coup’ in Gabon: Who, What, and Why?” on Al Jazeera.

Africa made us Proud at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest

On August 28, 2023August 29, 2023 By Dr. Y.In Great MomentsLeave a comment

Hugues Fabrice Zango (Source: The Straits Times, AFP)

Over the past few days, Africans have made us proud at the 2023 World Athletics Championships which took place in Budapest, Hungary. There were so many outstanding contributions, and amazing firsts.

The list starts with our brother Hugues Fabrice Zango of Burkina Faso who dominated the field and took home the gold medal in the men’s triple jump. This is his country’s first gold at the World Championships. Zango has consistently improved over the years from bronze at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, to silver at the Eugene 2022 World Championships, to now gold. When interviewed, he said, “I am proud to be the man who keeps his word. I promised to make history and I did it tonight… We have some troubles in our country now and it is an incredible mission to bring some positive emotions to them.” Keep it up brother, we are so proud of you!

Letsile Tebogo (Source: SportNewsAfrica)

Letsile Tebogo of Botswana made us proud by becoming the first African to win a silver medal at the World Championships ever in the men’s 100 m, and a bronze medal in the 200 m. In events dominated by Americans and Jamaicans, brother Tebogo showed that Africans should not be counted out.

Faith Kipyegon (Source: StarConnectMedia)

We held onto Faith, and Faith Kipyegon of Kenya delivered! There isn’t another athlete as consistently dominant over such a range as Kipyegon. She won gold medals in the women’s 1,500 m and 5,000 m in Budapest, capping a year in which she obliterated world records at 1,500 meters, the mile and 5,000 meters in the span of seven weeks this summer. Her compatriot Beatrice Chebet took silver in the women’s 5000 m; while Jacob Krop took home the bronze medal in the men’s 5000 m. Ethiopia‘s Diribe Welteji took home the silver medal over the women’s 1,500 m distance behind Faith.

Kenya Mary Moraa won gold in women’s 800 m defeating favorite Athing Mu of the USA… this has been a long time coming since the Mozambican Maria Mutola, and South African Caster Semenya. Her compatriot Emmanuel Wanyonyi took silver in the men’s 800m.

In the 3000 m steeplechase, the Kenyan women Beatrice Chepkoech and Faith Cherotich took home the silver and bronze medals respectively in the women’s event; while their countryman Abraham Kibiwot took home the bronze in the men’s event. Morocco Soufiane El Bakkali, the Olympic gold winner over the distance, took home the gold medal in the men’s event, while Ethiopia Lamecha Girma took home the silver.

Ladies Gudaf Tsegay, Letesenbet Gidey, and Ejgayehu Taye of Ethiopia dominated their events to give us a trio winning gold, silver, and bronze medals respectively in the women’s 10,000 m. Their compatriot Selemon Barega won bronze in the men’s 10,000 m. Uganda‘s Joshua Cheptegei dominated the men’s event taking home the gold medal, while Kenya’s Daniel Simiu Ebenyo took silver.

Ethiopia Amane Beriso Shankule and Gotytom Gebreslase won gold and silver respectively in the women’s marathon; they were followed by Fatima Ezzahra Gardadi of Morocco with the bronze medal. Shankule’s countryman Leul Gebresilase took home bronze in the men’s marathon. Uganda‘s Victor Kiplangat was victorious, taking home the gold medal in the men’s marathon.

The Lithium of Zimbabwe

On August 21, 2023August 20, 2023 By Dr. Y.In Great MomentsLeave a comment

Big deposits of lithium found in Zimbabwe has made it Africa’s largest lithium reserve. It is no secret that there have been big efforts worldwide to develop renewable energy sources, thus leading to a growing demand for batteries to supply the car industry as there is a push for electric vehicles. Zimbabwe hopes to become one of the world’s largest exporters of lithium. In July of this year, a Chinese mining company completed the $300m construction of a lithium mine in Zimbabwe. Presidential elections which will take place this month will determine the future of Zimbabwe’s resources.

To cash in on the global demand, Zimbabwe last year banned the export of raw lithium ore. In doing so, it joined countries like Indonesia and Chile that are trying to maximize their return on deposits of lithium, cobalt and nickel by requiring miners to invest locally in refining and processing before they can export. Let’s hope that these resources will actually help Zimbabweans and not line up the pockets of Mnangagwa and cronies.

Excerpts below are from Reuters. The BBC made a video about Zimbabwe becoming the new Lithium Valley of the world.

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Chinese investors racing to secure lithium supplies could help Zimbabwe rise to become the world’s fifth biggest primary producer of the material that’s vital to battery electric vehicles and the green revolution, mining consultancy CRU said.

The lithium industry in Africa’s top producer has rapidly expanded, buoyed by about $1 billion of investments during the past two years by Chinese companies including Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt (603799.SS), Sinomine Resource Group (002738.SZ), Chengxin Lithium Group (002240.SZ) and Yahua Group (002497.SZ).

… The investments could boost capacity to 192,000 tons of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) per year of petalite and spodumene in 2027, from 13,000 tons per year LCE in 2022, Cameron Hughes, a battery markets analyst at CRU said in a report.

“These investments will place Zimbabwe as the fifth largest primary producer of lithium by 2025, after Argentina, contributing more than either Canada or Brazil,” Hughes said.

…

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