Niger demands French compensation for colonial plunder of resources
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Niger's General Abdourahmane Tchiani calls for compensation from France for over a century of colonial and neocolonial exploitation.
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General Abdourahamane Tiani, appears on state TV on July 28, 2023 (Screengrab from Niger state television)
Media reports state that Niger's President General Abdourahmane Tchiani has demanded compensation from France for over a century of colonial and neocolonial exploitation of Niger's natural resources.
“France has uncontrollably plundered our resources for more than a hundred years during the period of colonial and neocolonial rule,” the head of state said in an interview with the Nigerian state television channel RTN.
According to reports, Tiani stated that the West African country will examine all archival data concerning the recent history of Africa. Subsequently, Niger will develop a comprehensive plan outlining the repayment schedule for all debts accumulated by France towards Niger.
Read next: Niger and the African struggle against neo-colonialism
Earlier last month, the French embassy in Niger has been shut down "until further notice," according to the French Foreign Ministry, citing "serious obstacles." Explaining the situation in France's former colony, the Foreign Ministry's statement noted that "for five months, our embassy has been severely hampered, making it impossible to carry out its missions."
Following the coup that ousted French ally and former President Mohamed Bazoum, the leadership of Niger cut ties with France, forced its military out of the country, and cut the export of uranium and gold short. After the coup ousted Bazoum, the Republic of Niger under the leadership of General Abdourahamane Tchiani announced the suspension of the export of uranium and gold to France on July 31, 2023.
