Niger nationalizes French uranium giant Orano’s Subsidiary amid sovereignty push

Niger’s military regime has nationalized Somaïr,the subsidiary of French uranium giant Orano,escalating tensions between Niamey and Paris in a move that symbolizes the regime’s sovereignty-focused policies since taking power in 2023.

The nationalization announcement,delivered through state television during a council of ministers report,cited Orano’s “irresponsible,illegal and disloyal behavior” and characterized France as “openly hostile to Niger.” The decision transfers all shares and assets of Somaïr to complete state ownership,with compensation promised to shareholders.

This action represents the culmination of months of deteriorating relations between Niger and its former colonial power. The military government has repeatedly accused Paris of destabilizing efforts and “training terrorists,” though without providing concrete evidence. These tensions coincide with Niger’s pivot toward new partners including Russia.

Orano,which holds over 60% stakes in its Niger subsidiaries,had already lost operational control of three mining sites in December 2024: the Somaïr mine,the closed Cominak facility,and the Imouraren deposit—one of the world’s largest uranium reserves with an estimated 200,000 tons. The company has initiated multiple international arbitration procedures against Niger,with the latest filing in January following the loss of Somaïr’s operational control.

The standoff has resulted in approximately 1,300 tons of uranium concentrate worth 250 million euros being blocked at the Somaïr site,unable to transit through Benin’s Cotonou port due to border closures. Niger’s military regime has also expelled Chinese oil workers and removed French and American military forces engaged in counterterrorism operations.

This nationalization marks a dramatic end to Orano’s five-decade presence in Niger since 1971,reflecting the broader sovereigntist turn across the Sahel region.