Following the geopolitical shift resulting from the July 2023 coup, Niger’s military government has announced its decision to nationalise the Somair uranium mine. This move ends a 50-year operational partnership with the French state-owned nuclear company Orano. The authorities justified the seizure by accusing the firm of ‘illegal and unfair behaviour’ and reaffirming their sovereign control over the country’s natural resources. This nationalisation marks a clear step in Niger’s strategic pivot away from its former colonial power, France, towards closer ties with Russia. At the heart of the dispute lies the government’s allegation that, since it began operations in 1971, Orano has taken a disproportionate share of the mine’s uranium output. In response, Orano intends to challenge the decision in court, seeking compensation for damages and asserting its rights over the existing uranium stock. This event is not an isolated incident; it reflects a broader trend of resource nationalism across the Sahel, with similar actions having been seen recently in Mali and Burkina Faso. The situation signals growing uncertainty for foreign companies and a significant geopolitical realignment in West Africa.
Giuseppe Arcidiacono
