Tensions between Niger and France have reached a boiling point, as Niger’s ruling junta announced a bold and unprecedented move: the full nationalization of Somair a major uranium mining subsidiary of the French government-backed energy giant Orano. The announcement, broadcast Thursday night on Niger’s state television, marks a significant escalation in the diplomatic fallout between the former colony and its ex-colonial power.
In a firm televised statement, Niger’s transitional government accused Orano which is 90% owned by the French state of what it called “irresponsible, illegal, and disloyal behavior.” The junta declared it was acting in full sovereignty to reclaim control of Somair, a company in which Orano holds a 63% stake. The remaining shares are controlled by Niger’s own state-run mining company, Sopamin.
This decision is the latest development in a growing rift that began in 2023 following a military coup in Niamey. The ouster of the civilian government led to the expulsion of French troops from the Sahel nation and a surge in anti-French sentiment. France, once a key security partner in the region, has seen its influence in Niger crumble.
France has long relied on Niger for uranium, a critical resource for its nuclear energy sector. But since the coup, Orano has been locked out of key mining sites. Earlier this year, the company suspended operations and began exploring a possible divestment of its stake, even as it pursued legal action to regain control.
In a parallel move, President Abdourahamane Tchiani also announced the nationalization of another major utility: the Niger Electricity Company, known as Nigelec SA. While the state already held over 99% of shares, foreign entities including the French Development Agency — maintained minority stakes. Now, the company will be brought entirely under state control.
Analysts say years of crippling power outages exacerbated by Niger’s dependence on electricity imports from Nigeria have pushed the government to take direct control of its energy sector. A nationwide blackout earlier this year, triggered by disruptions in Nigeria’s grid, left schools, hospitals, and businesses across Niger paralyzed.
[Interview clip – Mamane Sani Adamou, Revolutionary Organization for New Democracy (ORDN)]
MAMANE SANI ADAMOU (via translation): “The people of Niger have long been at the mercy of foreign control — of their minerals, their electricity, their future. These nationalizations are not just economic decisions. They are declarations of independence.”
The Revolutionary Organization for New Democracy, a political movement born from Niger’s multiparty era hailed the government’s move as a crucial step toward true economic sovereignty.
As Niger pursues a new path severing old alliances and asserting greater control over its resources, the country now finds itself at the crossroads of a shifting geopolitical landscape, forging new ties with partners like Russia, Iran, and Turkey.
For France and other Western nations, the message is clear: Niger is no longer playing by the old rules.
We will continue to follow this developing story here on SNEWS TV.
Reporting by Ehud Jones.
