By Oumar Sankare
BAMAKO, Mali (AA) - Niger’s military government has established a committee of experts to formalize and document a growing list of grievances and legal disputes against the French nuclear group Orano as part of a broader effort to defend the country's strategic interests through "legally substantiated and internationally credible" arguments.
Justice and Human Rights Minister Alio Daouda formally installed the panel in the capital Niamey, saying it would gather factual and quantified data on alleged environmental, health and fiscal violations linked to uranium mining. The committee will also help build legal arguments to pursue cases abroad and defend Niger in ongoing proceedings.
“Orano is claiming ownership of property belonging to Niger and is suing the state before judicial bodies,” Daouda said, adding that Niger would seek “condemnation and reparation for the damage suffered.”
He accused the group of leaving toxic waste at mining sites, saying radioactive residues had endangered public health and the environment.
Since the July 2023 coup, Niger’s military-led authorities have moved to end longstanding economic ties with France, citing sovereignty concerns.
In December 2024, the military junta announced that mining agreements for the SOMAIR uranium mine in Arlit, operated by Orano, had expired, leading to a loss of operational control for the company. It also confirmed disputes over legacy liabilities linked to the COMINAK uranium mine, which ceased production in in 2021.
In June 2024, the government revoked the operating permit for the Imouraren uranium deposit held by Orano’s subsidiary, Imouraren SA.
Authorities also ordered EDF to suspend activities in late 2023 and took steps affecting French-linked logistics operations by Bollore Africa Logistics.
Nigerien authorities reported the discovery of 400 barrels of radioactive material at the Madaouela site near Arlit in early December 2025.