That's huge, I hadn't seen that before -- if Joe Wilson didn't know all about Libya's nuclear program and sources of uranium, and it's next door to Niger, how can he possibly claim to have debunked reports of Iraq seeking uranium and how can he claim that Niger's uranium supply was 100% secured???
In 1980, 380 tons of uranium was imported from Niger, followed by another 1212 tons in 1981 making Libya the second largest client of Niger's uranium, after France. Western countries suspected the resale of uranium to other countries given that Libya's one research reactor was already supplied with Russian fuel. (20)
In 1998, uranium ore deposits were found in the south of Libya, near the borders with Niger and Chad. It approached both countries for cooperation (by that time the occupation of Chad had ended). Niger showed interest but Chad refused to cooperate fearing complications following the 1973 occupation. (21)
In 2002, the impoverished Central African Republic signed a 99-year treaty with Libya, allowing it to dig for oil, uranium and other minerals. The deal was signed a year after Gaddafi sent troops to help the country's president crush a rebellion. (22)