Niger Junta Moves to Nationalise French-Owned Uranium Company Amid Growing Tensions

Niger's military junta has decided to nationalise Somaïr, a French-operated uranium company, amid ongoing disputes, aiming to enhance local control over mineral resources and move away from colonial legacies.

Niger's military government has declared its intentions to nationalise Somaïr, a uranium mining operation predominantly owned by the French nuclear firm Orano. This announcement marks a significant turning point in the ongoing tensions between Niger and France, a former colonial power from which many in Niger seek to distance themselves.

The junta's decision follows France's historical dominance in Niger's uranium sector, where it holds exclusive rights rooted in agreements post-independence in 1960. Analysts assert that this nationalisation symbolizes a desire for greater national sovereignty over natural resources, highlighting a growing shift towards Russia as Niger distances itself from its colonial past.

Niger, recognized as the seventh-largest producer of uranium globally and home to Africa's highest-grade ores, asserts that nationalisation would promote improved management of resources and ensure that profits benefit the local population. The military's statement emphasized the necessity of local control for sustainable development.

Orano, which has operated in Niger for decades and maintains a 63% stake in Somaïr, has reportedly initiated legal proceedings against the Nigerien government in response to the military’s assertions of operational control over the mine. Despite the looming legal battle, Orano has not yet publicly commented on the latest development.

Experts caution that the uncertainty surrounding the nationalisation could jeopardize job security for many workers in the mining sector and destabilize export earnings crucial to Niger's economy. Niger's efforts to reclaim ownership of its natural resources reflect a broader regional sentiment against foreign influence, particularly from former colonial powers.

The situation exemplifies the complexities of post-colonial relationships, raising questions about the balance between national sovereignty and economic viability. As Niger navigates its resource future, the unfolding dynamics between local aspirations and international partnerships will likely shape the country’s path forward.