Arlit: Deuxieme Paris

Environmental Racism in the Sahara Desert

A case study in environmental racism set in a uranium mining town in the Sahara desert of Niger. Here European corporations extract nuclear power and profits leaving behind disease, contamination and unemployment. Ironically the primary activities of Arlit today is waiting, waiting to die of radiation related sicknesses or to emigrate to find work in Europe itself.

Arlit was once a boom town. During the oil crunch of the early 70's its uranium mines flourished eventually employing 25,000 workers from around the world in high paying jobs. Arlit was alive 24 hours a day, with frequent international flights, nightlife, earning it the nickname, 'le deuxieme Paris.' Then came the collapse in uranium prices and the Tuareg rebellion against the central government in Niamey more than 500 miles to the southwest. Arlit became a shadow of its former self.

When there was nothing more which the Europeans wanted they abandoned the town leaving behind the derelict machinery littering the desert which is so memorable an image in the film. Arlit demonstrates the ultimate bankruptcy of overseas investment in commodity based industry as a strategy for development.

"Perfectly encapsulating the wonder of the desert as well as the ennui of emptiness, Arlit is compelling..." - Variety

"The film depicts with unremitting clarity, the costs of development, and how a once vibrant place has become the end point for many illegal immigrants desperately in search of a better life. A withering indictment and a powerful exploration of the dream world of underdevelopment." - Michael Watts, University of California-Berkeley