Niger’s army junta says it is going to nationalise the bulk French-owned native uranium corporate in the most recent escalation in a row between the 2 international locations.
Somaïr is operated by way of French nuclear fuels corporate Orano, which Niger accuses of a number of “irresponsible acts”.
Since seizing energy in 2023, Niger’s army leaders have stated they need to stay extra native keep watch over of the rustic’s mineral wealth, and feature distanced themselves from France, the previous colonial energy, shifting nearer to Russia.
Niger is the sector’s 7th greatest manufacturer of uranium and has the highest-grade ores in Africa.
“This nationalisation will permit for more healthy and extra sustainable control of the corporate and, because of this, optimum delight in the wealth from mining sources by way of Nigeriens,” the junta stated in a remark.
It additionally accused Orano, which is owned by way of the French state, of taking away greater than its justifiable share of uranium from the rustic.
An Orano spokesperson declined to remark when contacted by way of BBC Afrique.
The corporate, which has operated in Niger for many years, owns a 63% stake in Somaïr however closing 12 months the army government seized operational keep watch over of the company.
Since then, Orano has introduced a number of criminal instances in opposition to Niger.
Niger completed independence from France in 1960 and the previous colonial energy controlled to protected unique get entry to to Niger’s uranium provide via quite a lot of agreements.
Analysts say this used to be observed by way of many in Niger as an emblem of the rustic’s persevered domination by way of France.
On the other hand, in addition they observe that any uncertainty over the mining sector’s long run may threaten loads of jobs, in addition to export income.
Previous this week, neighbouring Mali introduced it used to be construction a gold refinery in partnership with a Russian conglomerate.
Like Niger, Mali is beneath army keep watch over and says it needs to claim extra financial keep watch over of its mineral wealth, whilst reducing ties with France and the West.
Further reporting by way of Isidore Kouwonou
