• Niger announces the nationalization of the Somair uranium mine operated by French company Orano.
• The decision escalates a dispute amid deteriorating Franco-Niger relations since a 2023 military coup.
• Orano, holding a 63% stake, is accused of taking an excessive share of uranium production.
• The nationalization aligns with Niger's military government’s efforts to regain control over mineral resources.
• Niger seeks closer ties with Russia as part of its pivot away from France.

Niger's military government declared its intent to nationalize the Somair uranium venture, operated by French firm Orano, escalating tensions following the country's military coup in July 2023. The announcement, made on national television, cited grievances against Orano, particularly accusing the company of illegal and unfair practices. The statement emphasized Niger's sovereignty in making this decision, reflecting deteriorating relations with France, Niger's former colonial power, and shifting geopolitical alliances towards Russia, according to Reuters and BBC.

The Nigerien government claims that Orano, which has been active in Niger for over 50 years, has taken a disproportionate share of uranium—allegedly 86.3%—since the mine's establishment in 1971, undermining local benefits from the resource. Niger has moved to withdraw operational control from Orano since last year, with plans for further nationalization of its mining contracts as part of a systematic review targeting foreign companies, reports Africa News and Al Jazeera.

As Niger’s military government consolidates power, it seeks to assert greater control over its mineral wealth, a strategy that seems to mirror recent moves by other military-led governments in West Africa, including Mali and Burkina Faso. The current political climate has seen a significant push for nationalization of mining assets amidst criticisms of foreign exploitation, according to BBC, Reuters, and Africa News.

Orano, which holds a 63% stake in the Somair venture, has initiated legal arbitration against Niger's government in response to these actions and past grievances, including the disappearance of its local director. The French firm has expressed its intent to seek compensation and protect its interests amid the ongoing conflicts over mining rights, according to Al Jazeera and Africa News.