France radioactive waste in Niger: Even decades after the end of colonialism in Africa, the European powers have found different ways to make sure that the power dynamics do not change. Africa continues to face the brunt of “Waste colonialism” perpetrated by the West and is having to deal with the toxic effects of waste that does not even belong to it. Although African countries are standing up to these inhuman practices of the West, it seems it is unlikely to stop so soon.
France leaves radioactive waste in Niger
Niger is the world’s fifth-largest uranium producer. In 2021, it provided the European Union with nearly 25 percent of its uranium supplies, which helped produce electricity for millions of households. However, the country has been paid back by its former colonizer in the worst way imaginable.
As per a report, after a uranium mine run by a French company Orano (formerly Areva) shut its operations, Niger northern town of Arlit has been left wallowing in 20 million tons of radioactive waste of France. People living in the area are exposed to levels of radiation above the limits recommended by health experts. The situation is alarming as the soil and underground water have been contaminated. What’s worst is that the 100,000 people living in the area have no alternative but to keep on drinking that water.
Moreover, the waste produces a radioactive gas known as radon and the strong wind of the desert spreads radioactive dust which is then inhaled by the surrounding population. This causes severe health hazards and can lead to birth defects, cancer, and several other disorders. In fact, as per the report, many former Cominak workers suffer from unexplained diseases affecting the skin, liver, kidneys, and lungs.
Read more: Spain unearths the dumping cabal that has been polluting Africa’s Western coast since forever
When will the West mend ways?
The West’s greed to exploit African resources has often wreaked havoc in the continent. From textile waste to e-waste, Western countries have treated Africa as the dumping ground. By doing this, the rich Western countries have undermined the rights of low-income countries in Africa. The Global North’s waste problem is thus endangering lives in the African continent.
For instance, an organization that had sent more than 5,000 tons of hazardous e-waste from the Canary Islands to several African countries was dismantled by Spanish authorities. It is shocking that such organizations minted money by dumping this trash in Africa and also caused massive health hazards endangering thousands of lives. In a similar context, Zambia has accused a British mining giant of “turning a blind eye” to lead poisoning in the country. The plaintiffs have argued that tens of thousands of people living in Kabwe, a Zambian town, have suffered from lead poisoning, which can lead to brain damage and death.
Read more: Zambia rips into British mining giant’s “apathy”
Frustrated by the continuous torture exerted by the West on the African continent, African countries have started to knock down such neo-colonial practices. However, it seems the West has not learned a lesson. It must realize that it is the West that is at the mercy of African resources and specifically the changing geopolitical realities are against them, given that the bargaining chip is in the hands of the African continent. Therefore, rather than turning a blind eye, it would make sense for the West to accept the reality and start treating the African continent as an equal partner.
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