Niger Puts Nationalized Orano Uranium Up for International Sale, Accuses France of Blocking Resource Exploitation

Niger’s military authorities have announced that uranium previously extracted by the French company Orano will now be offered for sale on the global market, months after the government nationalized the company’s operations.

The announcement, according to the ruling junta, reaffirms the country’s “legitimate right” to manage and benefit from its natural resources.

General Abdourahmane Tiani, head of the military council, accused France of trying to deprive Niger of its wealth by “burying it in endless legal battles,” as Niamey turns toward Moscow in search of new mining partnerships.

Niger had earlier revoked Orano’s rights to operate its major uranium mines, amid escalating tensions with Paris since the military seized power in 2023.