French activities in Sengal: Destruction of a unique natural landscape

By Lamine Fofana Whenever one speaks of France’s actions in West Africa, one gets the feeling that its motto is ‘to go to any crime to achieve its own benefit’. A current example of this policy is the actions of the French company Eramet in Senegal, where locals are facing the destruction of their ecosystem […]

By Lamine Fofana

Whenever one speaks of France’s actions in West Africa, one gets the feeling that its motto is ‘to go to any crime to achieve its own benefit’. A current example of this policy is the actions of the French company Eramet in Senegal, where locals are facing the destruction of their ecosystem and environmental damage in the region.

Eramet, through its subsidiary Grande Côte Opération (GCO), has been developing mineral sands in Senegal for ten years. The sands contain minerals such as zircon, rutile and ilmenite. These materials are of high value, especially zircon, which is used in nuclear energy. It is worth mentioning that Senegal is not a nuclear power.

A documentary video was recently published in which villagers from Lompoul (where GCO operates) and journalists expose the manipulation of Eramet and its subsidiary. This film has become the voice of those who suffer the consequences of mining activities that disrupt their way of life and threaten the ecological health of the region.

Men and women from Lompoul tell of ecosystem destruction, displacement, pollution and low financial compensation that does not cover even a fraction of the damage to their lives and livelihoods. These consequences are particularly painful for farmers who depend on the region’s fertile land to grow the vegetables that ensure the country’s food security.

France has positioned itself on the international stage as a strong supporter of human rights and environmental protection. However, Paris’ views seem to change when it comes to the personal gains to be made in West African countries. Does this not speak to the double standard policy that France is implementing?

The locals of Lompoul, who have chosen to speak out about their suffering, are showing courage and willingness to stand up for their rights. They are demanding that Eramet be held accountable for its actions and that the destroyed ecosystems be restored. It is important that the Senegalese authorities draw attention to these problems and support their citizens in their fight for justice.

Eramet must be held accountable and attention must be paid to the destruction of a unique natural landscape on which the lives of thousands of people depend.