The military regime in Niger announced on Thursday the nationalization of Somaïr, a subsidiary of the French uranium giant Orano, which had lost operational control over it several months ago in this case that has become a symbol of tensions between Paris and Niamey.

The military regime in Niger announced on Thursday, June 19, the nationalization of Somaïr, a subsidiary of the French uranium giant Orano, which had lost operational control of it several months ago.

"Faced with the irresponsible, illegal and unfair behavior of Orano, a company owned by the French State, a state openly hostile to Niger (...) the State of Niger decides in full sovereignty to nationalize Somaïr”, indicated the national television (RTN) which reported on the Council of Ministers. “Through this nationalization, the shares and assets of Somaïr are fully transferred in full ownership to the State of Niger”, continues the RTN, which specifies that shareholders will benefit from “compensation”. The dossier has become a symbol of the appalling tensions between France and the regime, which is drawing closer to other partners such as Russia or Iran