THE government of Niger has announced plans to nationalise Somair, a key uranium mining joint venture formerly operated by France’s state-backed nuclear firm Orano, deepening the rupture between Niamey and Paris.
As reported by Reuters, Nigerien officials made the announcement via state television, accusing Orano of acting in bad faith after its mining agreement expired in December 2023. The statement framed the decision as one of national sovereignty.
‘Faced with this irresponsible, illegal, and unfair behaviour by Orano, a company owned by the French state – a state openly hostile toward Niger since 26 July 2023… the government of Niger has decided, in full sovereignty, to nationalise Somair,’ the announcement declared.
Post-coup friction erupts into resource dispute
Somair, located near the uranium-rich town of Arlit in northern Niger, has long been a strategic mining asset. Orano held a 63 percent share, while Niger’s state mining company Sopamin controlled the remaining 37 percent.
Since the July 2023 coup that brought a military government to power, Orano has been shut out of its operations at Somair. The firm has claimed government interference and exclusion from the site have crippled its financial performance and violated contractual rights.
Orano, formerly known as Areva, has initiated arbitration proceedings against the Nigerien government and filed lawsuits within Niger, arguing the takeover is unlawful. The company has also decried what it calls the arbitrary arrest of staff and confiscation of assets by authorities.
Longstanding ties unravel
Niger’s decision to reclaim Somair is the latest in a series of measures distancing itself from France, its former colonial ruler. After the coup, the military junta expelled French troops, revoked military and diplomatic agreements, and accused Paris of supporting efforts to restore the ousted civilian government.
As reported by Reuters, Orano disclosed in May 2025 that it was considering selling its uranium interests in Niger due to what it described as a complete breakdown in trust with the military regime.
For decades, Niger was a cornerstone of France’s nuclear energy strategy, supplying a significant share of uranium for French power stations. The loss of Somair could mark a turning point in France’s influence over African energy resources.
A high-stakes legal and geopolitical test
The legal battle over Somair is likely to intensify. Orano may seek international arbitration through bodies such as the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). France, and possibly the European Union, could also intervene diplomatically on behalf of the company.
For Niger, the nationalisation underscores its post-coup determination to assert control over key national assets. But it also risks deterring future investment, particularly in sensitive sectors like uranium mining that require long-term technical expertise and geopolitical stability.
It remains unclear how the government will continue Somair’s operations without Orano’s participation or technical infrastructure. However, Nigerien officials maintain that they are acting in the national interest and will seek alternative partnerships if needed.
Resource sovereignty or isolation?
The Somair nationalisation signals a broader trend in Africa where governments—particularly those that have broken from Western allies—are moving to reclaim control of natural resources.
Whether this leads to greater economic independence or deepens political and economic isolation remains to be seen. What is clear is that Niger’s move has sent a strong message: in the wake of political upheaval, control over critical resources like uranium is no longer up for negotiation.
Credit: Africa Briefing
