Russia to Take Over France’s Uranium Assets in Niger?

Uranium assets in Niger held by France’s state-controlled Orano SA may be taken over by Russia. A report by Bloomberg says that Russia’s state nuclear company, Rosatom, has contacted Niger’s military-led authorities about acquiring the assets in an effort to challenge the West. Moscow has been stepping up its economic, diplomatic, and military links in Africa and Niger is the latest in a string of African countries that have forged closer security ties with Russia, especially since the military coup in July last year. Now, Moscow’s growing influence in Niger’s commodities sector may also pose a threat to the West.