Niger’s government is seeking investment from Russian companies to develop its uranium and other natural resources, the country’s mining minister announced on Wednesday, as relations with former colonial power France continue to deteriorate.
French nuclear company Orano halted uranium production in Niger last month after the country’s military junta, which took control in July 2023, revoked a permit for one of the world’s largest uranium deposits.
“We have already met with Russian companies interested in exploring and developing Niger’s natural resources—not only uranium,” Niger’s Mining Minister Ousmane Abarchi told the state-run news agency The Moscow Times.
Referring to French companies, Abarchi added, “The French government, through its head of state, has stated it does not recognize Niger’s current authorities. In this case, is it possible for us, the State of Niger, to allow French companies to continue exploiting our natural resources?”
These statements come as several West African nations have recently distanced themselves from France, increasingly turning to Russia and other countries for strategic alliances.
Niger’s military leaders have pledged to reform regulations on foreign mining operations in Niger, the world’s seventh-largest uranium producer.
