Algerian Nuclear Deal Shows Russia Renewed Influence in Africa

To escape a floundering economy, repeated sanctions, and currency crisis Russia has its eyes set on Africa’s energy sector. Diplomats from Russia will meet with Algeria  to discuss plans of building a nuclear plant in the North African country.  Russia is cautiously and quietly  looking to extend its political, economic, and military influence back into Africa.

Algeria first proposed the development of a nuclear plant in 2009 and is hopeful that the project will be completed by 2020. While the proposed nuclear plant would not produce weapons grade uranium, it could provide the materials needed to build a dirty bomb.

Algeria had previously signed nuclear cooperation agreements with Russia, France, China, Argentina, Chile, and the United States. Since 1995, Algeria has operated two small research reactors built by China and Argentina.

Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov and Algerian foreign minister Ramtane Lamamra have openly discussed how both Russia and Algeria can combat terrorism. Lavrov noted, “This is a suitable time to discuss what we can do together to help international efforts to settle conflicts and combat the terrorist threat.”

Algeria has on again off again problems with the al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and Jund Al-Khilafa (Army of the Caliphate) in the past, but Algerian officials actually note that criminal gang and smugglers pose a bigger risk to Algeria than AQIM.

Algeria has long utilized counter terrorism as a means to put down the violent Islamists that plagued the country from the Algerian Civil War to AQIM attacks. General Mohammad Medediene, a Moscow trained soldier during the cold war was one of the head generals in the “eradication faction” of the Algerian Military government targeting Islamic jihadists. He would later head Algeria’s Intelligence and Security Directorate (DRS) for 25 years.

The U.S. State Department recognized the efforts Algeria makes in fighting off the advances of jihadist groups like AQIM in Algeria’s mountains and borders.  Algeria has been praised for its diplomatic means in fighting terrorism as well from assisting Mali’s Islamic insurgency and strong support for the United Nations (UN) in creating political stability in Libya.

Despite some risk of terrorism, Sergey Kiriyenko, the director general of the Russia government owned nuclear company Rosatom and Youcef Yousi, signed an intergovernmental agreement last September to build the reactors. Rosatom will help Algeria design, build, and operate the nuclear plants but claim the nuclear materials used in them will only be for peaceful purposes.

Russia has attempted to strengthen its control of energy sources throughout the world to help to help grow its economic and political power. Doing this requires obtain gas and oil surpluses from Africa. Russia wants to become less dependent on western nations for assistance or have to rely on support from rising countries like China and India.

Russia can also utilize its arms and military presence to African nations in an effort to input their influence into the region.

Russia and Algeria are hopeful that this project stipulates that both countries will carry out joint operations and coordination of uranium deposit mining. The agreement also states the possibility of using uranium in agriculture, biology, soil science, seawater desalinization, and medicine, including the production of radioactive isotopes.

Russia’s gradual global expansion is slipping under the radar as China, North Korea, and the Middle East dominate global headlines. The gradual process in obtaining resources and bolster its economy will help propel Russia back into becoming a global superpower, and help deter western European and American influence in those regions.