Mehr News: Rebels in Niger suspended uranium and gold exports to France
The soldiers who seized power in Niger announced the suspension of the export of uranium and gold to France, the Iranian portal Mehr News reported on July 31, citing a statement by the rebels.
Gold and uranium exports were suspended the day before. The order of the military junta came into force immediately.
The French nuclear industry is heavily dependent on uranium reserves. For example, the French Orano has been developing uranium mines in Niger for 50 years. She was in charge of two uranium mines at a deposit near the city of Arlit, the publication notes.
Not so long ago, Orano began research with the aim of developing one of the world's largest uranium deposits, Imouraren, located in the north of Niger, 80 km south of Arlit. Its reserves are estimated at about 200 thousand tons of uranium ore.
Companies from Spain and China also own uranium mines in Niger.
On July 26, the military in Niger tried to block the head of State, Mohamed Bazum, at his residence in Niamey. The Presidential Guard organized the mutiny, led by General Omar Ciani.
The next day, Niger's military announced that Bazum had been displaced and the country's borders were closed. A curfew has been imposed in the country and roads leading to the buildings of the national television have been blocked. On the same day, the rebels announced the suspension of the work of all institutions of the republic.
The next day, on July 28, the United States announced that it could curtail cooperation with the Government of Niger, including in the field of security.
On July 29, the head of diplomacy of the European Union, Josep Borrel, said that Europe would not recognize the change of power as a result of the rebellion.
The African Union also demanded that the military in Niger "return to their barracks and restore constitutional authority" within 15 days of seizing power. The leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have issued a seven-day ultimatum to the military to restore the deposed president to office
