Niger’s Head of State, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, seeks investments from Russian firms in uranium and other natural resources.
- The mining minister announced this amid rising tensions with France, Niger’s former colonial power.
- French nuclear group Orano halted uranium output last month due to deteriorating relations with the military junta that took power in July 2023.
- Mining Minister Ousmane Abarchi stated that discussions have occurred with Russian companies interested in exploring Niger’s resources beyond uranium.
- He emphasized the French government’s refusal to recognize Niger’s authorities as a key factor in their investment decisions.
- This shift reflects a trend among several West African nations reassessing ties with France and seeking partnerships with Russia and others.
- Niger’s military rulers aim to revamp regulations for foreign mining companies, as the country is the seventh-largest uranium producer globally.
- Orano criticized the junta’s withdrawal of a permit for the Imouraren uranium deposit and the challenges posed by the closure of Niger’s border with Benin, affecting uranium exports.
