Dec 8, 2025

Niger Moves Uranium From SOMAÏR Mine Despite Arbitration Ruling$

Analysis by The North Africa Journal

Niger’s military authorities have authorized the removal and transport of uranium from the SOMAÏR mine at Arlit without the involvement of longtime operator Orano, prompting the French nuclear group to denounce the shipment as illegal and in breach of a September 2025 World Bank–linked arbitration ruling. While Niamey signals plans to sell the stock on the open market as an assertion of resource sovereignty, the move raises legal, safety, and security concerns as uranium travels by road through conflict‑affected Sahel corridors.

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إيران -هدنة هشة بعد «غضب ملحمي»: وقف نار قصير يكشف وهم الحرب الخاطفة على إيران$

by The North Africa Journal | Apr 9, 2026 | 1PREMIUM, Arabic

هدنة هشة بعد أكثر من ستة أسابيع من الحرب تكشف اتساع الفجوة بين الوعود التي سُوِّقت في واشنطن عن حرب خاطفة على إيران وبين واقع صراع معقد استنزف القدرات العسكرية وعمّق أزمة الطاقة العالمية فيما بقيت مراكز القرار في طهران صامدة.

Mali: Russian-linked Forces Under Drone Pressure in Northern Mali$

by The North Africa Journal | Apr 9, 2026 | 1-BLUE-LEFT-SECTION-Special-Focus-Free, Security & Defense, Mali, 1shorts, Sahel, Terrorism, Security, Shield and Alert: Sahel, 1PREMIUM, Briefs

Armed groups in northern Mali are shifting toward repeatable FPV drone strikes against Malian army and Russian-linked Africa Corps positions. Recent attacks in Anéfis and Aguelhok indicate a tactical evolution that challenges the assumption of operational sanctuary in the Kidal region.

Niger Turns to Local Self-Defense Units to Contain Growing Insecurity$

by The North Africa Journal | Apr 9, 2026 | security upfront, Briefs, Shield and Alert: Sahel, Security & Defense, 1PREMIUM, Niger, 1-BLUE-LEFT-SECTION-Special-Focus-Free, 1shorts, Sahel, Terrorism, Security

Niger has formalized local self-defense units known as Domol Leydi as violence intensifies across its borders, reflecting a shift toward community-based security in response to expanding militant activity and limited state reach.

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