Niger's military junta says it will nationalise the majority French-owned local uranium company in the latest escalation in a row between the two countries. Somaïr is operated by French nuclear fuels company Orano, which Niger accuses of several "irresponsible acts". Since seizing power in 2023, Niger's military leaders have said they want to keep more local control of the country's mineral wealth, and have distanced themselves from France, the former colonial power, moving closer to Russia. Niger is the world's seventh largest producer of uranium and has the highest-grade ores in Africa. "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. Orano has not yet commented. 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. According to the Reuters news agency, Orano, which is owned by the French state, has launched legal action against Niger over its actions. Niger achieved independence from France in 1960 and the former colonial power managed to secure exclusive access to Niger's uranium supply through various agreements. Analysts say this was seen by many in Niger as a symbol of the country's continued domination by France. However, they also note that any uncertainty over the mining sector's future could threaten hundreds of jobs, as well as export earnings. Earlier this week, neighbouring Mali announced it was building agold 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. Go toBBCAfrica.comfor more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter@BBCAfrica, on Facebook atBBC Africaor on Instagram atbbcafrica
Niger military leaders to nationalise uranium firm
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Niger's Military Junta Moves to Nationalise French-Owned Uranium Company Somaïr"
Bbc News
7.3
TruthLens AI Summary
Niger's military junta has announced plans to nationalise the majority French-owned uranium company, Somaïr, in a significant development that underscores growing tensions between Niger and France. The junta has accused Orano, the French nuclear fuels company that operates Somaïr, of engaging in 'irresponsible acts.' This move is part of the junta's broader strategy to assert greater control over the country's mineral resources and reduce reliance on France, which has historically held significant influence in Niger since the country gained independence in 1960. Niger is a key player in the global uranium market, ranking as the world's seventh largest producer and possessing some of the highest-grade uranium ores in Africa. By nationalising Somaïr, the junta aims to ensure that the wealth generated from the mining sector benefits the local population more effectively, stating that the nationalisation will lead to 'healthier and more sustainable management' of the company.
The decision to nationalise Somaïr comes after the military authorities previously seized operational control of the firm last year, further straining relations with Orano, which holds a 63% stake in the company. Orano has reportedly initiated legal action against Niger in response to these developments. Analysts suggest that the nationalisation signals a growing sentiment in Niger against perceived neo-colonial practices, particularly in relation to its uranium resources. However, there are concerns that this shift could create instability in the mining sector, potentially jeopardising hundreds of jobs and affecting export revenues. The situation is compounded by regional dynamics, as neighbouring Mali has similarly sought to enhance its economic sovereignty over mineral wealth while distancing itself from French influence. These developments reflect a broader trend among military-led governments in West Africa to re-evaluate their relationships with former colonial powers and assert control over valuable natural resources.
TruthLens AI Analysis
You need to be a member to generate the AI analysis for this article.
Log In to Generate AnalysisNot a member yet? Register for free.