NIGER SHATTERS DECADES-LONG FRENCH C0NTROL OVER URANIUM!

🇳🇪 BREAKING NEWS🚨:  ⚡️

In a historic move, Niger has officially ended France’s decades-long grip on its uranium sector and will now sell its uranium directly on the global market.

This shift is massive — not just for Niger, but for the entire global energy landscape. For years, Niger supplied a significant share of the uranium that powered France’s nuclear-driven electricity grid, while receiving only a fraction of the profits. That era appears to be over.

Now, with this bold decision, Niger is signaling that it wants sovereignty over its natural resources, fair market prices, and new international partnerships beyond its former colonial power.

This move could reshape:

 • Global uranium prices

 • France’s energy security

 • The geopolitical balance across West Africa

 • Niger’s economic future

A new chapter is starting in the Sahel — and the world is watching.

Diplomatic sensitivities can rise over PM’s statement on island sovereignty amid ongoing negotiations with France

By Terence Malapa Aug 9, 2025 Updated Aug 9, 2025

A recent statement by Vanuatu Prime Minister (PM) Jotham Napat during the nation’s 45th Independence Anniversary celebrations has raised diplomatic concerns, as his declaration regarding the return of the contested southern islands Umaenupne (Matthew) and Leka (Hunter) appears to misrepresent the current status of negotiations with France.

In his July 30 address, PM Napat told the public: “I am very pleased to announce to the people of Vanuatu, as we mark this 45th anniversary of independence, that soon we will reconnect with the two southern islands, Umaenupne and Leka, also known as Matthew and Hunter. This is a very important outcome of the meeting that the Deputy Prime Minister and I had with Emmanuel Macron in Paris. These two islands are being returned to us (in Bislama: tufala island ia i stap kam bak).”

While this statement was welcomed domestically, it contrasts with the ongoing nature of negotiations, as outlined in a Joint Communiqué released by both France and Vanuatu following the PM's working visit to Paris on July 23. The communiqué noted a shared commitment to “maintaining an open, transparent, and constructive dialogue” on both maritime boundary delimitation and the sovereignty of the islands, with formal negotiations scheduled to begin in Port Vila this autumn.

The Joint Communiqué further noted: “The two leaders agreed that the first round of renewed negotiations will be held in Port Vila, Vanuatu, this autumn, and that a second round will take place in France before the end of the year.”

Contrary to a finalised agreement, the communiqué confirms that discussions remain ongoing and no formal resolution on sovereignty has yet been reached.

In another part of his speech, PM Napat appeared to recognise the provisional nature of the discussions: “I also thank President Macron and the French government, who agreed to allow the process to begin and gave us until the end of this year to settle our maritime borders and these two islands, which, as we all know, belong to us.”

To clarify the PM's comments, his Public Relations Officer, Kiery Manassah, told the Vanuatu Daily Post: “The Prime Minister meant that the islands are coming back. We are negotiating the terms and various rights of sovereignty.”

This clarification indicates the statement was intended to reflect optimism about the outcome of the negotiations rather than indicate a concluded agreement.

Diplomatic analysts cautioned that making public declarations of sovereignty before the conclusion of formal negotiations may undermine mutual trust and the spirit of cooperation guiding the dialogue. Such statements could complicate the sensitive diplomatic process currently underway between Vanuatu and France.

The disputed islands, located in the southern maritime region between Vanuatu and New Caledonia (a French overseas territory), have long been a sensitive issue between the two nations. Vanuatu claims sovereignty based on historical and geographic grounds, while France currently administers the islands.

Negotiations on maritime boundaries and Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), which include the islands in question, were previously held in 2018 and 2019. The current renewed dialogue was initiated after President Macron’s 2023 visit to Port Vila and has been framed by both sides as a way to promote regional cooperation, stability, and new opportunities for partnership.

terence@dailypost.vu

FRENCH PRESIDENT VISITS PNG

Two huge Air buses, seven jet fighters, and a packed media crew accompanied the President of the Republic of French his Excellency Emmanuel Macron to Port Moresby around 2300 hours last night.

Prior to President Macron’s official state visit, this is the first time for a sitting president of French to visit Papua New Guinea after his recent visit to Vanuatu and New Caledonia following his Pacific Island Tour.

The president and his delegates were received by Prime Minister James Marape, French Ambassador Mr Guillaume Lemoine, Major General PNGDF Mark Goina, Police commissioner David Manning, NCD Governor Powes Parkop, Minister for National Events Justin Tkatchenko, Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu, Motu Koitabu Assembly chairman Dadi Toka Jnr, Hiri Moale cultural dancers, media personnel and extended Papua New Guinea governmental delegates.

A warm welcome reception and guard of honor by the Papua New Guinea Defense Force was given to the president and his acquaintances upon arrival at the Jacksons International APEC terminal.

This morning, the President paid tribute to the Governor General HE Sir. Bob Dadae through an overwhelming visit to the government house at Konedobu and departed for Varirata National Park in Sogeri.

PNG and France Forge Cooperation in Forest Managem3nt, Conservation and Climate Change

Papua New Guinea and the Republic of France have established a landmark cooperation in Forest Management, Conservation, and Climate Change during a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister James Marape, and French President , His Excellency Emmanuel Macron, in Port Moresby on Friday, July 28, 2023.

Prime Minister James Marape expressed his satisfaction with the fruitful meeting, emphasising that it paves the way for elevating the long-standing good relations between the two nations to new heights.

The leaders mutually agreed to intensify their collaboration in forest management, conservation, and climate change. 

“This is an issue that I have been passionate about, as many of you know from my interventions at the United Nations level," Prime Minister Marape stated.

Among the key areas of intervention discussed, both leaders have agreed to:

1. Establish an office for expertise from France in Papua New Guinea.

2. Foster cooperation in energy transition initiatives.

3. Allocate funding for works at the Port of Rabaul to enhance its climate resilience.

4. Extend support for green finance in the Pacific region.

"The above interventions clearly demonstrate France's commitment to sustaining its long-term partnership with PNG and the wider Pacific region. This step is highly welcome and timely," Prime Minister Marape said.

During the meeting, President Macron assured Papua New Guinea of France's readiness to allocate a funding of EUR$63 million (K238 million) for the period 2021-2024 under the Forests, Climate Change, and Biodiversity (FCCB) intervention programme in PNG. The Managalas Conservation area in the Northern Province will be one of the projects featured in this programme.

The FCCB will also encompass support for government, community service organisations, private sector, education, and research, complementing and enhancing existing programmes in the country.

On the topic of ongoing private sector engagement, both leaders discussed France's continued investment in the oil and gas sector, particularly in Papua LNG through TotalEnergies EP PNG Ltd. This substantial investment is set to further transform Papua New Guinea's economic landscape and boost the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the future.

Prime Minister Marape extended an invitation for French companies to participate in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to engage in downstream processing and add value to agriculture, timber, and fisheries products before exporting them to overseas markets.

"To conclude, President Macron and I will count on the support of our Ministers, Officials, and business community to take appropriate actions towards the realisation of these projects," Prime Minister Marape stated.

Reflecting on the significance of the visit, Prime Minister Marape acknowledged the historical links between France and Papua New Guinea that date back to the 1800s when the first French Catholic Missionaries arrived on Woodlark Island in the Milne Bay Province, and later to Yule Island in the Central Province. He expressed gratitude for their contributions to the spread of the Catholic religion, education, healthcare, and other essential services that continue to support the country.

The visit by President Macron marks a historical event as the first visit by a French President-in-Office to Papua New Guinea, signifying the strengthening and reshaping of bilateral relations since the formalisation of ties in 1975.

"On behalf of the people of PNG, I extend appreciation to the government of France for their contributions to our development agenda, including our trade relations through the European Union. We are extremely grateful for the support rendered to developing countries like PNG," Prime Minister Marape concluded.

The year 2023 has undoubtedly become a momentous year for Papua New Guinea, with a multitude of global leaders visiting its shores. Prime Minister Marape expressed that such visits are unprecedented since independence and contribute significantly to the country's development priorities, particularly in the realm of Forest Management, Climate Change, and environmental sustainability.

PNG and France Forge Cooperation in Forest Managem3nt, Conservation and Climate Change

Papua New Guinea and the Republic of France have established a landmark cooperation in Forest Management, Conservation, and Climate Change during a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister James Marape, and French President , His Excellency Emmanuel Macron, in Port Moresby on Friday, July 28, 2023.

Prime Minister James Marape expressed his satisfaction with the fruitful meeting, emphasising that it paves the way for elevating the long-standing good relations between the two nations to new heights.

The leaders mutually agreed to intensify their collaboration in forest management, conservation, and climate change. 

“This is an issue that I have been passionate about, as many of you know from my interventions at the United Nations level," Prime Minister Marape stated.

Among the key areas of intervention discussed, both leaders have agreed to:

1. Establish an office for expertise from France in Papua New Guinea.

2. Foster cooperation in energy transition initiatives.

3. Allocate funding for works at the Port of Rabaul to enhance its climate resilience.

4. Extend support for green finance in the Pacific region.

"The above interventions clearly demonstrate France's commitment to sustaining its long-term partnership with PNG and the wider Pacific region. This step is highly welcome and timely," Prime Minister Marape said.

During the meeting, President Macron assured Papua New Guinea of France's readiness to allocate a funding of EUR$63 million (K238 million) for the period 2021-2024 under the Forests, Climate Change, and Biodiversity (FCCB) intervention programme in PNG. The Managalas Conservation area in the Northern Province will be one of the projects featured in this programme.

The FCCB will also encompass support for government, community service organisations, private sector, education, and research, complementing and enhancing existing programmes in the country.

On the topic of ongoing private sector engagement, both leaders discussed France's continued investment in the oil and gas sector, particularly in Papua LNG through TotalEnergies EP PNG Ltd. This substantial investment is set to further transform Papua New Guinea's economic landscape and boost the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the future.

Prime Minister Marape extended an invitation for French companies to participate in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to engage in downstream processing and add value to agriculture, timber, and fisheries products before exporting them to overseas markets.

"To conclude, President Macron and I will count on the support of our Ministers, Officials, and business community to take appropriate actions towards the realisation of these projects," Prime Minister Marape stated.

Reflecting on the significance of the visit, Prime Minister Marape acknowledged the historical links between France and Papua New Guinea that date back to the 1800s when the first French Catholic Missionaries arrived on Woodlark Island in the Milne Bay Province, and later to Yule Island in the Central Province. He expressed gratitude for their contributions to the spread of the Catholic religion, education, healthcare, and other essential services that continue to support the country.

The visit by President Macron marks a historical event as the first visit by a French President-in-Office to Papua New Guinea, signifying the strengthening and reshaping of bilateral relations since the formalisation of ties in 1975.

"On behalf of the people of PNG, I extend appreciation to the government of France for their contributions to our development agenda, including our trade relations through the European Union. We are extremely grateful for the support rendered to developing countries like PNG," Prime Minister Marape concluded.

The year 2023 has undoubtedly become a momentous year for Papua New Guinea, with a multitude of global leaders visiting its shores. Prime Minister Marape expressed that such visits are unprecedented since independence and contribute significantly to the country's development priorities, particularly in the realm of Forest Management, Climate Change, and environmental sustainability.