The Republic of Niger, which was jolted recently by a coup masterminded by Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, declared Sunday that it would suspend the exportation of uranium and gold to France, with immediate effect.
Niger is a precious gem as it is one of France’s strongest allies in the Sahel and Sahara region, and a prime source of uranium that powers millions of European households.
Emboldened by the coup, Nigerien demonstrators besieged the French Embassy in Niger, demanding an end to French colonial policies and reiterating their support for the coup leader, Tchiani. The slogan “Down with France!” was resounding in the capital.
Wazobia Reporters, a Nigerien news website, quoted a protester as saying, “We have uranium, diamonds, gold, and oil, and we live like slaves?” We don’t need the French to protect us.”
It is worth reporting that, according to the World Nuclear Association (WNA), Niger is the world’s seventh-largest uranium producer. In 2021, Niger contributed about 25% of the uranium supply to the European Union.