Niger’s strategic pivot from France to Russia signals a major shift in its management of uranium resources, with broad implications for its foreign relations and economic independence. Following a military coup in July 2023 that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, the country’s military junta has redefined Niger’s international alliances, particularly in the mining sector.
On November 8, Niger’s Mining Minister Ousmane Abarchi announced that the country is actively seeking Russian investment for its uranium resources, underscoring the junta’s intention to reduce reliance on France and bring new partners into its resource-rich sectors. In an interview with Russia’s RIA Novosti, Abarchi stated, “We have already met with Russian companies that are interested in coming to explore and exploit Niger’s natural resources … not only uranium.”
This announcement follows heightened tensions with France, which has held a significant role in Niger’s uranium industry through companies like Orano. The junta’s recent revocation of Orano’s license to operate at the Imouraren mine—a site with one of the world’s largest uranium deposits and where Orano has invested over €1 billion—marks a clear signal that Niger is realigning its resource management strategy.
Nationalizing Resources and Expanding Regional Influence
Niger’s moves echo a growing trend among Sahelian nations, such as Mali, which have sought closer ties with Russia in recent years while reducing dependency on France. The junta’s efforts to re-nationalize resource control resonate with this regional sentiment, aiming to place Niger’s natural wealth more directly under state control. According to Abarchi, the shift also reflects a practical decision given that “the French government, via its head of state, does not recognize Niger’s authorities,” making continued cooperation with French companies politically complex.
The decision to sideline France in favor of Russian investment is likely to have lasting impacts on Niger’s mining sector, which holds immense value for the global uranium market and for nuclear energy stakeholders worldwide.
Beyond Mining: Technology and Security Cooperation with Russia
Niger’s recent strategic alignment with Russia extends beyond mining. Earlier this month, the government signed an agreement with Russian space company Glavkosmos to acquire advanced satellite technology, aimed at strengthening national security and counter-terrorism capabilities. These satellites, which will include three high-altitude models expected to launch within four years, will also support Niger’s communication infrastructure and remote sensing capabilities, according to Communication Minister Sidi Mohamed Raliou.
This multi-faceted cooperation underscores Niger’s ambition to diversify its foreign partnerships across both resource management and technology sectors. As the country seeks to build a more self-sufficient and robust infrastructure, its embrace of Russian support reflects a broader regional trend of Sahelian nations seeking alternatives to France amid longstanding political and security concerns.
A Watershed Moment for France-Africa Relations?
Niger’s move to invite Russian firms into its uranium sector and its strategic technology alliances signal a major shift in the dynamics of French influence in West Africa. For decades, France has maintained a dominant role in Niger’s economy and security framework, especially through its partnerships in the uranium sector. But as Niger redefines these partnerships, France’s former colonies are increasingly exploring new diplomatic and economic relationships with other global powers.
For Niger, which has the potential to become a significant uranium supplier amid rising global demand for nuclear energy, aligning with Russia represents an audacious restructuring of its foreign relations. This realignment could set a precedent for other resource-rich nations in the region to pursue diversified foreign investment and greater economic autonomy, marking a turning point in Franco-African relations and challenging France’s traditional role in West Africa’s post-colonial landscape.
