Russia has suggested constructing a nuclear power station in the uranium-rich Niger, thus making it a new partner of the West African country and removing the road which leads to the French military as the latter has been cut off by the local rulers.
This proposition follows the government’s decision in Niger to take control of the uranium mining activities of the French nuclear group Orano in June, and thereby the door has been opened for the involvement of Russia.
Rosatom, Russia’s state nuclear corporation, has signed a collaboration agreement with the authorities in Niger. The focus of the deal is on energy production, medical uses, and training of local experts.
To quote Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev, “Russia’s assignment is not just to extract the uranium but to establish a whole atomic energy peaceful use system in Niger.
Niger practically sends its uranium to France to be refined. However, general Mamady Doumbouya, the leader of the military who took over on 2023 July and ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, has broken the relations.
The current regime is such that they have prohibited rallies since 2022 and tightly controlled opposition figures.
Orano, a French company, has been the major player in uranium mining activities in Niger for the last 50 years and consequently the French nuclear industry has been the major recipient of uranium supplies from due to that.
The director of the company in Niger, Ibrahim Courmo, has been held in custody since May without being charged. At the moment, Niger is mainly powered by coal and also imports electricity from Nigeria.
The nuclear plan of Russia may be hindered by many things. For instance, the presence of security concerns because this area has been influenced by Islam-based terror groups, a huge amount of money that needs to be invested, and technical feasibility is questioned.
If the plan comes to reality, the West African country will be the first in the region to have nuclear power.
