Niger-Uranium: Russian Ship Leaves Lomé, Uranium Convoy Remains Blocked

Niamey, December 8, 2025 - The Russian ship MATROS SHEVCHENKO departed the port of Lomé on December 8, after arriving on December 1, without unloading its uranium cargo, and remained offshore.

Reports indicate the vessel had reserved a berth while awaiting the arrival of the uranium convoy from Niger, but delays forced the ship to leave once its berthing slot expired.

The uranium convoy is currently immobilized, with trucks stationed at Air Base 101 in Niamey. No departure plans have been announced. The convoy was initially scheduled to transit through Benin, but the failed coup attempt against President Patrice Talon necessitated a change of route. The only remaining option under consideration is transit via Burkina Faso.

Observers note that the trucks blocking the Niger-Benin bridge were removed the day before the attempted coup, fueling suspicions of potential involvement by President Abdourahamane Tiani and the Nigerien junta in attempts to destabilize Benin.

The situation underscores the growing geopolitical and logistical challenges surrounding the transportation of strategic uranium resources from Niger.