Niger’s Uranium Becomes the New Geopolitical Battleground

Russia is eyeing uranium mining in Niger, a country rich in the resource and now aligned with Moscow following a 2023 military coup. Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev confirmed Russia’s interest during a recent visit to Niamey, where he met junta leader General Abdourahamane Tiani and signed a deal on civilian nuclear cooperation. Under the agreement, Russia will mine Niger’s uranium, help build nuclear plants, and train local experts. This shift further distances Niger from its former colonial power, France, with whom tensions have escalated over control of uranium resources. In 2024, Niger stripped French firm Orano of control over its main uranium mines, including Imouraren—one of the world’s largest. While there’s no indication yet that Russia will assume control of these mines, its growing influence is undeniable.

The African Report