Case study: Situational Analysis – Niger, West Africa

Our client's requirement

Our client, an international resources company, was considering a major investment in the West African state of Niger. The company was aware that a low-level insurgency in remote desert regions had posed a threat to foreign companies operating in the area and wished to better understand the social and local political dynamics driving the deterioration in the security environment.

Our approach

Having worked with the client to understand their risk appetite and likely footprint, Menas Associates deployed a consultant (widely considered the world's leading expert on the Sahel) to conduct in-country research in Niger to supplement our existing knowledge and understanding of the country. During his visit, our consultant conducted extensive but discreet interviews with national and local stakeholders in the capital and the proposed project-area to identify prevailing dynamics and to establish likely attitudes to our client's investment.

The outcome

Menas Associates provided our client with a detailed report comprising extensive analysis and deep insight into the social drivers of the local insurgency. The report highlighted the role of failed local engagement strategies in the evolution of security problems experienced by other companies and provided headline recommendations to our client for cultivating and maintaining their social licence to operate.

Regions covered

North Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa

Services provided

Situational analysis