Mineral Resources Management and Conflicts in Mali and Niger

Mineral resources represent major sectors of the economies of Mali (gold) and Niger (uranium, oil). In the uncertain context following the 2011 Libyan crisis and the crumbling of Mali in early 2012, the potential of natural resources to preventing or aggravating conflicts in both countries should be studied. Malian and Nigerian natural resources management policies are examined using a framework of analysis based on the notions of profitability, diversity, durability, and equity. Finally, this paper shows that mineral resources contribute to an aggravation of tensions in Mali while they constitute an incentive for cooperation in the case of Niger.