Niger: SOMAÏR/Niamey regains control of its uranium and asserts its sovereignty for an exploitation beneficial to Nigeriens
The Nigerien government, meeting in a Council of Ministers under the leadership of General Abdourahamane Tiani, has officially approved the nationalization of the Société des Mines de l’Aïr (SOMAÏR), previously owned by the French group Orano. By deciding to regain control over its uranium resources, Niger, under President Tiani’s leadership, has taken a major step in its strategy to reclaim sovereignty over its strategic resources. This decision marks a historic turning point in the management of the country’s mining sector, long dominated by foreign—especially French—interests.
For over 50 years, Niger’s uranium has fueled French nuclear power plants, with little fair return for Niamey. By denouncing what it describes as an imbalanced and “unfair” partnership, the Nigerien authorities are now asserting their right to fully control the exploitation of their own subsoil.
Beyond its economic significance, this political move carries a strong symbolic weight. It reflects Niger’s determination to reclaim control of its resources, defend its dignity, and build a development model based on its own national interests. The complete transfer of SOMAÏR’s assets to the Nigerien state is being presented as an act of economic justice and national sovereignty.
This nationalization will enable more transparent, sustainable management of the company and ensure that the wealth generated by mining resources benefits the Nigerien people. With this bold measure, Niger clearly signals that its natural resources will now serve the interests of its citizens first.
