Despite issuing a series of ultimatums to the uranium mining companies, the Nigerien authorities are struggling to find real alternatives. The problem is illustrated by the Imouraren project of the French group Orano.
The Gabonese state has seen the sale of its mansion, long the home of late German designer Karl Lagerfeld, grind to a standstill in Paris.
Aviation Handling Service Centrafrique is coming back to Bangui's international airport just a year after losing its contract. The authorities' dissatisfaction with International Technology Handling Services cleared the runway for its return.
Senegal's new president recently paid a visit to his Guinea-Bissau counterpart, Umaro Sissoco Embaló. But his entourage also maintains close relations with the country's opposition in the person of ex-PM Domingos Simões Pereira.
The Chinese export credit insurer released $2bn for the project last September but is hesitating over a further $3bn outlay amid project criticisms.
The German engineering group Gopa Intec was selected for the job on 21 April.
Mike Henry met government officials and investors to win support for his plan, which does not cover Anglo American's South African iron ore and platinum interests.
The group is suspected of reaching an agreement on prices with some of its competitors in the Moroccan market.
