COMMENTARY -‘I had a mine in Africa…’

.BJohn Thompson

For those seeking new challenges beyond the normal logistics of mining in remote regions, sub-Saharan Africa may be the place to go. The bounty of Africa’s mineral wealth is undisputed, but security problems can hinder mining operations.

For reasons of geography, climate and ecology, much of Africa remained isolated from the ebb and flow of ideas and technology that surged back in forth in Europe and Asia. Although modern firepower and medicine opened Africa up to exploitation a century ago, the brief period of colonial rule did not manage to replace tribal identities with new loyalties.

In South Africa, the ancient rivalry between the Zulu and Xhosa tribes underlies their political differences, resulting in lethal riots between miners of one stripe and local residents of the other. Indeed, most wars in Africa erupt along ethnic or tribal lines, and the potential for conflict exists in many areas.

National governments in Africa are often dominated by majority tribal coalitions. These rulers can be deposed, and the new administrators may not be as favorably disposed to mining companies.

Armed forces are common in Africa. Some, like those of the Angolan government, are orderly and unlikely to intrude on a mining operation.

However, the soldiers of nations such as Kenya and Nigeria may set up roadblocks to solicit tokens of appreciation for their services. (A gratuity should prevent them from arresting you for attempting to “smuggle” your own luggage into the country.)

Except for the use of assault rifles and narcotics, local militias or guerrilla forces, which usually consist of teenagers, are out of step with the 20th century. Some words of advice: Don’t laugh at the 14-year-old with women’s underwear on his head; don’t accept invitations to play Russian Roulette; and don’t sneer at the charms soldiers wear to render themselves bullet-proof.

Militias and guerrillas can be found in many countries, including Sierra Leone, Liberia and the former Zaire. A few such organizations appear professional and are hard to distinguish from local regular forces. However, there can be no end to the eccentricity of other such groups.

Displays of consideration towards militia commanders will be helpful, but consulting with professional security companies with experience in Africa will prove even more useful.

Companies must be aware of everything from roads made unsafe through anti-personnel mines to unpredictable militia units that attack the unarmed and helpless. A little homework will go a long way in ensuring company employees don’t become casualties.

Of course, the majority of Africans are honest and hardworking. However, the population boom being experienced by many countries in sub-Saharan Africa is giving rise to crime in urban areas. In many nations, droves of people from the countryside are gravitating to enormous urban shanty towns. Under such circumstances, unemployed and displaced males can turn to crime.

As a result, diplomats, reporters and aid workers in many parts of Africa have been forced to take extraordinary measures to protect their residences, especially at night. If one must maintain an urban residence, it would be unwise to skimp on security measures.

Organized crime is growing, particularly in South Africa, where armed militants are creating their own career opportunities. Aside from protection rackets, such individuals also may be eager to provide services to employees.

Keep an eye on visitors to workers’ quarters, especially around payday. In Somalia, banditry is flourishing, with stock theft a common crime. Isolated work camps in that country also must remain alert.

Africa can be a rewarding place in which to mine, if companies understand the rules. Research conditions ahead of time, and do not hesitate to consult with experienced security companies. Don’t leave home without good information.

— The author is director of the Toronto-based Mackenzie Institute, which specializes in the study of organized violence and political instability.