Turkey’s Interest in Niger’s Uranium Resources Sparks Diplomatic Tensions
In a bold move to secure uranium supplies for its nuclear power plants, Turkey has sent a delegation to Niger, a country rich in uranium deposits. The trip comes at a delicate time for Niger, as the military government recently withdrew mining rights from Canadian and French companies, creating a ripple effect in the global uranium market.
Niger, which holds about 5% of the world’s uranium resources, has been thrust into the spotlight since a coup in July 2023 led to the detention of its elected president, Mohamed Bazoum. The junta’s decision to revoke mining permits from Canadian and French companies has raised concerns about the country’s stability and future partnerships.
Turkey’s interest in Niger’s uranium resources is driven by the construction of its first nuclear power plant, Akkuyu, in collaboration with Russia’s Rosatom. With two more nuclear facilities in the pipeline, Turkey is in desperate need of a stable uranium supply chain.
However, Russia’s own attempts to acquire Niger’s uranium assets have added a new layer of complexity to the situation. The diplomatic tensions between Turkey, Russia, and other global players highlight the strategic importance of Niger’s uranium resources.
Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s efforts to expand his nation’s influence in Africa have not gone unnoticed. From media investments to military exports, Turkey’s presence in the region is growing, raising concerns among traditional powers like France.
As Ankara and Paris navigate their differences on multiple fronts, including energy exploration and defense cooperation, the battle for control of Niger’s uranium resources continues to unfold. The outcome of these diplomatic maneuvers could have far-reaching implications for the global energy landscape.
