Niger is strengthening its cooperation with Russia in the uranium sector, days after accusing France of disrupting its uranium exploitation at the United Nations. On October 1, 2026, Niger's Minister of Mines, Ousmane Abarchi, met with representatives from Uranium One Group and TENEX, two Russian companies linked to Rosatom. The meeting aimed to review ongoing mining projects with Russia. This development comes as Niger seeks to diversify its partnerships in the uranium sector.
The accusations against France were made by Niger's Prime Minister, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York on September 26. He alleged that France had deliberately disrupted Niger's uranium exploitation when it left the country. Zeine denounced this as an "historic injustice," noting that Niger's uranium had powered European cities while Niger's own cities remained in darkness. He stated that this injustice had now ended.
The discussions with Russian partners focused on implementing projects outlined in a memorandum of understanding between Niger's Ministry of Mines and Uranium One Group. The meeting allowed both parties to review progress on their commitments and future execution. Niger's Ministry of Mines views this cooperation as a path to a sustainable partnership based on "mutual respect of interests." This move signals a shift away from France, with whom Niger has had strained relations.
Tensions between Niger and France have been escalating. Niger revoked Orano's permit for the Imouraren deposit, and the French company subsequently halted production at Somaïr in October 2024 due to export issues. In June 2025, Niger nationalized Somaïr. Nearly 1,000 tonnes of uranium concentrate were transferred from Somaïr to Niamey and offered for sale, despite a CIRDI decision prohibiting the sale or transfer of this uranium.
Niger's Minister of Mines, Abarchi, asserted that his country could sell its uranium to whoever it chooses, while also noting that Niamey is in discussions with Russian partners. This development reflects Niger's efforts to assert control over its uranium resources and diversify its international partnerships. The country's uranium sector has been a point of contention with France, its former colonial power.
The strengthening of ties with Russia in the uranium sector comes as Niger seeks to maximize its benefits from its natural resources. By engaging with new partners, Niger aims to enhance its economic sovereignty and reduce its dependence on traditional partners. The uranium sector is a critical component of Niger's economy, and the country's decisions in this area have significant implications for its economic future.
As Niger continues to navigate its relationships with international partners, the country's uranium sector is likely to remain a key area of focus. With its new partnerships with Russia, Niger is positioning itself to take greater control over its uranium resources and to benefit more substantially from their exploitation. The international community will be watching closely as Niger implements its new strategy in the uranium sector.
Key points
- Niger is accelerating its uranium cooperation with Russia amid heightened tensions with France.
- The country has accused France of historically disrupting its uranium exploitation.
- Niger's shift towards Russia in the uranium sector reflects its efforts to assert control over its natural resources and diversify its international partnerships.
