Russia is seeking to take over uranium assets in Niger held by a State-controlled French company, according to people informed about the matter, in a further challenge to Western interests in Africa. Rosatom, Russia’s State nuclear company, has had contacts with Niger’s military-led authorities about acquiring assets held by France’s Orano, according to a person in Moscow familiar with the matter, who asked not to be named because the discussions are private. A western diplomat based in the region said talks were likely centered around mining permits. Niger accounted for about 4% of global uranium mine production in 2022, according to the World Nuclear Association.