Niger accuses French nuclear giant of committing “mass crimes”

Niger’s military government has launched a fierce attack on French state-owned nuclear group Orano, accusing the company of “radioactive pollution” and “predatory behaviour” after inspectors allegedly discovered around 400 barrels of highly radioactive waste abandoned near the former uranium site of Madaouela in the country’s north.

Officials say radiation readings at the site spiked at dangerous levels, far above normal, and tests revealed substances capable of causing serious respiratory illnesses. Justice Minister Alio Daouda has vowed legal action, claiming Orano’s conduct amounts to “mass crimes” against public health, the environment, and Niger’s sovereignty.

Orano insists it has no operating licence for Madaouela and denies conducting any activity there, but tensions between Niamey and the French nuclear giant have been escalating for months.

Niger, one of the world’s top uranium producers and formerly a major supplier for France’s electricity sector, has taken aggressive steps to reclaim control of its mineral wealth, nationalising the Somair mine in June and stripping Orano of key permits.

The government recently transported more than 1,000 tonnes of uranium from Somair despite a World Bank tribunal ruling ordering it not to transfer or sell the material. Orano has condemned the move as a violation of international decisions, while Niger’s military rulers maintain they are simply exercising their sovereign rights.