It's all about Uranium -

In reality,, it is to secure the supply of French nuclear uranium: it is indeed extracted in the mines of northern Niger desert area only separated from Mali. by a line on the maps.

In this regard, we emphasize the extreme perversity of the former colonial powers that once Boundary absurd, ignoring the location of populations, and creating contours curious country: Niger and Mali are both hourglass, a southwestern part containing the capital, eccentric and completely removed an immense north-east, mostly desert.

Employees of Areva removed

Thus, for 40 years, Areva (formerly Cogema) was able to capture in peace in the Niger's uranium mines located 500 kilometers from the capital and the fragile "power" Nigerian politics.

In recent years, armed groups are organized in this region: the Tuareg, frustrated to be despised, displaced, dispossessed. And more or less Islamic groups, some from former GIA who sowed terror in Algeria, others controlled by Gaddafi and empowered after the latter's death.

Areva employees, executives in companies mining uranium, were abducted in Niger in September 2010, and transferred to Mali since retained. Then, on 7 January 2011, two young French have in turn been kidnapped in Niger....

[link to translate.google.com]