Niger’s military jute says it will nationalize the majority French -owned local uranium company in the latest growth in a line between the two countries.

The Somor is operated by the French nuclear fuel company Orano, which Niger has accused of several “irresponsible acts”.

Since the seizure of power in 2023, Niger’s military leaders have said that they want to keep more local control of the country’s mineral wealth, and have removed themselves from France, the former colonial power going close to Russia.

Niger is the world’s seventh largest producer of uranium and is the highest class ore in Africa.

“This will allow the nationalization company for healthy and more sustainable management and as a result, the optimal enjoyment of funds from mining resources,” said in a statement, “Junte said in a statement.

Orano has not commented yet.

The company operating in Niger for decades is owned by 63% stake in Somo, but last year military authorities seized the firm’s operational control.

According to the Reuters News Agency, Orano, which is owned by the French state, has initiated legal action against Niger on his works.

Niger gained independence from France in 1960 and pre -colonial power managed to secure special access to Niger’s uranium supply through various agreements.

Analysts say it was seen by many people in Niger as a symbol of the country’s constant domination by France.

However, they also note that any uncertainty on the future of the mining sector can lead to hundreds of jobs as well as export income.

Earlier this week, the neighboring gardener announced that it is making a construction. Gold refinery in partnership with a Russian group,

Like Niger, the gardener is under military control and states that he wants to claim more economic control of his mineral money, cutting ties with France and West.