Nuclear clash with Russia in the background. They take full control

• Niger authorities accused the French company of exceeding uranium mining limits and announced the nationalization of the mine.
• This is another example of the retreat of countries ruled by military juntas in the Sahel region from the West and closer relations with Russia.
• Niger, one of the world's largest suppliers of uranium, had already taken control of another company, Orano.

According to Bloomberg, the junta accused Orano of violating the agreement by extracting more uranium than its 63.4 percent stake in local company Somair allows. "The company was also criticized for suspending operations, repatriating French workers and hinting at a possible sale of assets," the report reads.

Niamey said the nationalization of Somair would allow for "more sustainable management" and ensure Niger would benefit more from the exploitation of natural resources.

Orano announced that it would issue a statement on the matter on Friday. Let us recall that France is approximately 15 percent dependent on Niger to meet its uranium requirements for fueling nuclear reactors.

Bloomberg notes that the takeover of the uranium mine underscores the growing tendency of states ruled by military juntas in the Sahel region to turn away from the West . Recall that the governments of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have in recent years turned away from European countries, while tightening economic and military cooperation with countries such as Russia and Turkey.

Canadian concern Barrick Gold Corp. is also struggling to maintain control of the Loulo-Gounkoto gold complex in Mali, which was placed under state management by the junta. In November, the authorities detained the CEO and two employees of Australian company Resolute Mining Ltd., releasing them only after reaching a settlement for $160 million, we read.

In 2023, Niger had about 6% of the world's uranium reserves, placing it in the top ten global suppliers of this raw material.

In December, Orano confirmed that Niger had taken operational control of Somair, months after the junta revoked the license for the neighboring Imouraren project. The company is involved in several international arbitration proceedings.