Niger halts uranium and gold exports to France

Since the beginning of this week, Niger has stopped exporting uranium and gold to France. This was reported by Mehr News, quoting General Omar (Abdurakhman) Tchiani, who assumed the role of the country's new president after a military coup last week.

The day before, the ECOWAS union, which includes 15 West African countries, imposed economic sanctions against Niger, which provide for the suspension of all financial transactions if the legitimate government of President Mahamed Bazum is not restored within a week, and Bazum himself is not released. By the way, Niger has not received the bond payments scheduled for Monday in the amount of $51 million.

Large-scale protests with anti-French rhetoric are taking place in the cities of Niger. In the capital of Niger, Niamey, protesters attacked the French embassy and tried to set it on fire, there are reports of injuries.

The leaders of the ECOWAS countries called for the restoration of the constitutional order in Niger, opening the possibility for the use of force on their part.

Recall that the military coup began in Niger on July 26. The Presidential Guard under the leadership of General Tchiani isolated President Mohamed Bazoum in his residence, where he remains to this day. 

Niger, a former French colony and one of the poorest countries in the world, receives about $2 billion in international aid annually. At the same time, the country has rich natural resources, including about 7% of the world's uranium reserves.