By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Junta-led Niger has announced plans to nationalise the majority French-owned local uranium company, indicating deteriorating relations between the West African country and its former colonial power, France.
Somaïr is operated by French nuclear fuels company Orano, which Niger has accused of several “irresponsible acts”.
“This nationalisation will allow for healthier and more sustainable management of the company and, consequently, optimal enjoyment of the wealth from mining resources by Nigeriens,” the junta said in a statement.
Since it came to power in 2023, the Abdourahamane Tchiani-led military junta has said it wants to assert more local control of the country’s mineral wealth, severing ties with France and moving closer to Russia.
Niger is the world’s seventh largest producer of the high-valued mineral deposit, uranium, and has the highest-grade ores in Africa.
The company, which has operated in Niger for decades, owns a 63% stake in Somaïr but last year the military authorities seized operational control of the firm.
Heritage Times HT had reported that Orano, a French state firm, had earlier indicated interest in selling its uranium assets as relations deteriorated.
It accused the military junta of the arbitrary arrest of its officials and filed a legal action against the West African nation.
The former colonial power had secured exclusive access to Niger’s uranium wealth through various agreements. In 1960, Niger achieved its independence, but despite that, France still wields influence over its mineral resources and military.
Earlier this week, neighbouring Mali announced it was building a gold refinery in partnership with a Russian conglomerate.
Like Niger, Mali is under military control and says it wants to assert more economic control of its mineral wealth, while cutting ties with France and the West.
Among other accusations, Orano had alleged that a mining permit for its subsidiary, Imouraren, was revoked in June 2024 by the Niger military government.
