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A French uranium mining company will face trial over its alleged partial responsibility in the abduction of its employees by terrorists in Niger in 2010, sources following the case told AFP.
The firm, formerly known as Areva and now part of Orano, is accused of underestimating the threat posed by the Al-Qaeda-linked group in northern Niger, where it operated uranium mines.
In 2010, armed men kidnapped seven employees in Arlit — five French nationals, a Togolese, and a Madagascan.
Three hostages, including the Madagascan and Togolese employees, were released after five months, but the four remaining French nationals were held until October 2013, after Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) claimed responsibility for the abductions.
Magistrates in France ordered the trial in late September, citing alleged carelessness by the company and insufficient security measures that led to staff being taken hostage.
France’s anti-terror prosecutor opposed the trial and has appealed the decision.
The company’s legal team has consistently denied wrongdoing.
Investigations showed that Areva had signed an agreement with Nigerien authorities for local troops to provide security for its mining sites, housing, and movement of expatriate staff.
Olivier Morice, representing former hostage Pierre Legrand, criticised the firm’s handling of the situation.
“It is unacceptable to note that despite numerous warnings to Areva, nothing was seriously done to protect employees on site,” he said.
