Niger’s army has launched a crackdown on jihadist-controlled informal gold mining sites in the country’s west, killing 13 insurgents and seizing materials linked to the manufacture of improvised explosive devices.
The raids, which took place near the western border with Burkina Faso, aimed to disrupt the sources of financing for terrorist activities. According to the army, the sites have been dismantled and rendered inoperative.
The move is part of Niger’s efforts to combat an insurgency by jihadist groups linked to Al Qaeda and Islamic State, which have killed thousands and taken control of villages in the region.
The military-ruled government has expelled French forces and is instead working with Russia to fight the insurgents.
Ryan Cummings, director of Signal Risk, noted that while the raids may have temporarily disrupted illicit gold mining, stronger efforts are needed to cut off insurgents’ financing.
The insurgency has battered Niger’s economy, with around 4.5 million people requiring aid in 2024.
The country’s gold mines have become a significant source of revenue for terrorist groups, making it essential to address the issue.
