The disappearance of uranium from the Somair mine in Niger has triggered a criminal probe by the Paris prosecutor’s office into “organized theft serving a foreign power.” The mine was formerly operated by the French group Orano before being nationalized by Niger’s military junta.
The ruling military council has denied any wrongdoing, asserting its sovereignty over the nation’s resources. Orano had previously warned that a shipment of uranium went missing from the site shortly after the government took control.
This incident further strains the already tense relations between Niamey and Paris following the 2023 coup. The potential for sensitive nuclear material falling into the wrong hands has raised international alarm and escalated the diplomatic dispute.
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