In the latest sign of worsening relations between Niger and France, the West African nation’s military rulers have taken operational control of Somaïr, a uranium mining firm owned by the French state nuclear company, Orano. This development underscores the junta’s determination to sever France’s economic influence, particularly in uranium mining—a sector with geopolitical implications.
Since the military coup in July 2023 ousted Niger’s pro-French President Mohamed Bazoum, the junta has blocked uranium exports, driving Somaïr toward financial collapse. Niger’s uranium, though only 5% of global production, supplied 25% of the EU’s nuclear power needs in 2022. This supply interruption arrives as Europe seeks to cut carbon emissions, heightening the stakes for French President Emmanuel Macron, whose energy policies heavily depend on uranium imports.
France, with 18 nuclear plants producing nearly 65% of its electricity, has relied on Niger for 20% of its uranium imports over the past decade. The loss of this supply could compel France to turn to alternative sources like Kazakhstan, Canada, and Australia. However, reliance on other suppliers, including Russia, raises political challenges, given sanctions imposed on Moscow over the Ukraine invasion.
Beyond uranium, Niger’s pivot away from Western partnerships has led to warming ties with Russia and Iran. Russian military contractors support Niger’s junta and its regional allies in Burkina Faso and Mali, while rumors persist about potential uranium deals between Niger and Tehran.
For Orano, the prospects of restoring normal operations in Niger appear dim. The junta has blocked uranium exports via Benin’s port of Cotonou, canceled Orano’s rights to develop the Imouraren mine, and rejected alternative solutions, like flying uranium stocks out of the country. Somaïr, sitting on over 1,150 tonnes of uranium concentrate worth $210 million, faces mounting financial pressure.
The consequences of this standoff extend beyond Orano. Northern Niger’s desert communities, dependent on uranium mining for jobs, face economic hardship. Yet, the junta remains unmoved, buoyed by rising oil revenues from a new Chinese-built pipeline.
The dispute over uranium mining reflects broader tensions between Niger and France. Once seen as a symbol of post-colonial influence, French involvement in Niger’s economy has become a lightning rod for nationalist sentiment, amplified since the coup. For Niger’s rulers, dismantling this legacy seems to outweigh the economic costs.