Sean K
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Ah, of course, WAF
West Africa and Gold
- Thread starter alanjohnson
- Start date
Dona Ferentes
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hope you didn't blow your dough, Alan (<<Joined 28 November 2011; 5 posts; Last seen 9 January 2012>>)
Chad ends military cooperation with France
As Sahel nations move closer to Russia, Chad’s top diplomat says country is ‘very jealous of its sovereignty’.
Garpal Gumnut
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I know little about and have always tried to avoid any investments in West Africa or Western Africa as it is also known. A quick look at Wikipedia will fill in anyone interested on the region. It certainly has it's fair share of problems.
Interestingly the Wikipedia page does not mention Russia nor Ukraine which both have military/influence assets in the area. I found an article from "The Conversation" a preachy little site full of Guardian readers which if you can sift through the woke propaganda gives a useful update on affairs in the dunny of civilisation and Mali in particular.
West Africa - Wikipedia
Russia-Ukraine war spills into west Africa: Mali attacks signal dangerous times ahead
The ambush of Russia’s Wagner soldiers and Malian forces by rebels with Ukrainian support raises concerns of the beginning of a proxy war between Russia and Ukraine in west Africa.
theconversation.com
gg
Dona Ferentes
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Ivory Coast has become the latest African state to kick all French soldiers (600) out of the country. Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara made the announcement in his end-of-year address.
France has earlier been forced to leave Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Senegal and Chad have previously France has now been kicked out of more than 70% of African countries where it had a troop presence since ending its colonial rule in the 1960s.
French troops will now remain only in Djibouti, with 1,500 soldiers, and Gabon, with 350 troops.
France has earlier been forced to leave Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Senegal and Chad have previously France has now been kicked out of more than 70% of African countries where it had a troop presence since ending its colonial rule in the 1960s.
French troops will now remain only in Djibouti, with 1,500 soldiers, and Gabon, with 350 troops.
Sean K
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Must read for punters thinking about WAf investments.
It's still risk v reward to me.
Could lose everything or make a motza.
I think I'm in front, so far.
www.kitco.com
(Kitco News) - Resolving an escalating dispute in Mali could significantly shape how investors view West Africa, Barrick Gold CEO Mark Bristow told Kitco Mining at the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The standoff between Barrick and the Malian government has intensified, with authorities accusing the company of owing more than $500 million in taxes—a claim Barrick denies. The government's actions have included detaining employees, issuing an arrest warrant for Bristow, restricting gold shipments from the Loulo-Gounkoto mining complex, and seizing gold worth approximately $245 million. These measures forced Barrick to temporarily suspend operations at the site earlier this week.
"This is a dynamic situation," Bristow told Kitco Mining. "We are very focused on finding a solution."
Mali has been central to Bristow's career, serving as a cornerstone for Randgold Resources, where he was CEO before its 2019 merger with Barrick.
Bristow expressed dismay over the current situation, emphasizing Mali's role in shaping his business legacy and the company's long-standing contribution to the country's economy.
"Mali is the very foundation of my business development," Bristow said. "We've had a strong relationship with the people and the many governments of Mali over time."
Broader Implications for Africa
Bristow warned that the Malian government's actions could create a perception of instability among global investors, potentially discouraging investment not only in Mali but across Africa.
"This is an important conversation for Africa," Bristow explained, indicating the misunderstandings can lead to perceptions that governments will strongarm companies to increase their share of revenues.
Drawing on his experience growing up in post-apartheid South Africa, Bristow emphasized the importance of dialogue and transparency in resolving disputes.
"Mali was historically a magnet for investment," he said. "The question is, how do we restore that? Transparency and open dialogue are key to fostering trust and creating an environment where everyone benefits."
It's still risk v reward to me.
Could lose everything or make a motza.
I think I'm in front, so far.
Mali dispute crucial for African investment climate: Barrick CEO Bristow
The Kitco News Team brings you the latest news, videos, analysis and opinions regarding Precious Metals, Crypto, Mining, World Markets and Global Economy.
www.kitco.com
(Kitco News) - Resolving an escalating dispute in Mali could significantly shape how investors view West Africa, Barrick Gold CEO Mark Bristow told Kitco Mining at the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The standoff between Barrick and the Malian government has intensified, with authorities accusing the company of owing more than $500 million in taxes—a claim Barrick denies. The government's actions have included detaining employees, issuing an arrest warrant for Bristow, restricting gold shipments from the Loulo-Gounkoto mining complex, and seizing gold worth approximately $245 million. These measures forced Barrick to temporarily suspend operations at the site earlier this week.
"This is a dynamic situation," Bristow told Kitco Mining. "We are very focused on finding a solution."
Mali has been central to Bristow's career, serving as a cornerstone for Randgold Resources, where he was CEO before its 2019 merger with Barrick.
Bristow expressed dismay over the current situation, emphasizing Mali's role in shaping his business legacy and the company's long-standing contribution to the country's economy.
"Mali is the very foundation of my business development," Bristow said. "We've had a strong relationship with the people and the many governments of Mali over time."
Broader Implications for Africa
Bristow warned that the Malian government's actions could create a perception of instability among global investors, potentially discouraging investment not only in Mali but across Africa.
"This is an important conversation for Africa," Bristow explained, indicating the misunderstandings can lead to perceptions that governments will strongarm companies to increase their share of revenues.
Drawing on his experience growing up in post-apartheid South Africa, Bristow emphasized the importance of dialogue and transparency in resolving disputes.
"Mali was historically a magnet for investment," he said. "The question is, how do we restore that? Transparency and open dialogue are key to fostering trust and creating an environment where everyone benefits."
Dona Ferentes
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good luck.
"In a surprising turn of events on January 17, 2025, a convoy of over 100 vehicles - including tanks, trucks, IFVs, artillery, and other heavy equipment, rolled into Bamako, the multi-million capital of Mali, seemingly appearing out of nowhere..."
frontelligence.substack.com
"In a surprising turn of events on January 17, 2025, a convoy of over 100 vehicles - including tanks, trucks, IFVs, artillery, and other heavy equipment, rolled into Bamako, the multi-million capital of Mali, seemingly appearing out of nowhere..."
Special Report: A Convoy of Over One Hundred Russian Vehicles Arrives in Mali
Assessing the Convoy and Its Origins
frontelligence.substack.com
Sean K
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good luck.
"In a surprising turn of events on January 17, 2025, a convoy of over 100 vehicles - including tanks, trucks, IFVs, artillery, and other heavy equipment, rolled into Bamako, the multi-million capital of Mali, seemingly appearing out of nowhere..."
Special Report: A Convoy of Over One Hundred Russian Vehicles Arrives in Mali
Assessing the Convoy and Its Origins
I sold everything in WAf a while ago because @finicky told me to.
I'm sure you're following Sean K Trading intently, and saw that. :-D
Dona Ferentes
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yes, I may well have. And the Russian mercenaries waited until they saw you were out, too.
information is power
