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Niger's military forces have targeted informal, jihadist-controlled gold mining sites in the country's west, aiming to cut off funding for terrorist activities. The army announced that last week’s raids in the Tagueye locality, near Niger’s western border with Burkina Faso, resulted in the death of 13 insurgents and the arrest of one individual. An army statement said, “Previously under the control of armed terrorist groups, these sites have been dismantled and systematically rendered inoperative.” The operations are part of broader efforts to weaken jihadist groups linked to Al Qaeda and Islamic State, which have been active along Niger’s western border and southern regions, causing significant violence and displacement.
The government explained that the raids targeted sources of income for insurgents, specifically illicit gold mines and materials linked to the manufacture of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). However, Ryan Cummings, director of the Africa-focused intelligence firm Signal Risk, noted that while such raids may temporarily disrupt militant financing, longer-term solutions require sustained efforts. He said, “The minute state forces depart areas and mining sites with militant presence, the same actors can return to these deposits and restart operations.” The insurgency has severely impacted Niger’s economy and humanitarian situation, with around 4.5 million people, about 17% of the population, requiring aid in 2024, according to the United Nations. Tensions have risen since Niger’s military government expelled French forces and turned instead to Russia for assistance in combating jihadists. In May, eight employees of Nguvu Mining, operating the Samira Hill gold mine southwest of Niamey, were killed after their bus hit an IED during a military escort, highlighting the ongoing dangers in the region.
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