Niger’s transitional government has announced the nationalization of Somair SA, a major uranium mining company long operated by French conglomerate Orano. The decision, made during this week’s Council of Ministers meeting, transfers full control of the company to the Nigerien state.
Authorities accuse Orano of “irresponsible, illegal, and disloyal” behavior, particularly in the wake of the July 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. Somair, which has been extracting uranium from Arlit in the Agadez region since 1971, is now expected to function under local oversight.
This move marks a significant shift in Niger’s management of its natural resources and may signal broader efforts to reclaim national control over critical sectors.
