Niger: Niamey launches legal counterattack against Orano
The Nigerien authorities have taken a new step in their standoff with the French nuclear operator Orano. An expert committee was officially established on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Justice Minister Alio Daouda, tasked with preparing legal complaints against the French company.
This decision follows the nationalization of mining resources of Niger, which prompted Orano to initiate several arbitration proceedings before the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).
According to Minister Daouda, the French group claims “so-called mining ownership over Nigerien land” a position Niamey strongly disputes.
In response to these legal moves, Niger is organizing its legal counteroffensive. The minister announced that the country will “initiate judicial proceedings against Orano, taking every necessary precaution to bring the company before both national and foreign courts.” The objective is clear: to obtain a conviction and reparations for the damages the state believes it has suffered.
This committee of experts represents the technical and legal instrument that will enable Niger to wage this complex judicial battle.
Its creation underscores the determination of the authorities to defend their sovereignty over mining resources by all available legal means, both nationally and internationally.
This legal escalation marks a new chapter in the tense relations between Niger and its former mining partner.
It illustrates the resolve of the transitional authorities to fundamentally rebalance the terms of mining cooperation, even if it means engaging in costly and protracted legal battles.
Titi KEITA
