Niger military suspends uranium, gold export to France, forms alliance with Russia

The military government in Niger Republic, under the leadership of General Abdourahamane Tchiani, is taking bold steps to consolidate on the Transitional regime and ward off threats of military invasion by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Accordingly, Niger on Sunday suspended export of uranium and gold to France with immediate effect.

Building up to the seven days ultimatum from the ECOWAS leaders to restore ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in Niger, General Tchiani noted that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is set to declare war against the military regime within one week. General Tchiani , however, sent a strong message to ECOWAS leaders that the military regime is looking forward to delivery of heavy weapons from Russia, which has become an ally of Niger.

General Tchiani, therefore, cautioned those collaborating with ECOWAS or the ousted Niger government, saying they are enemies.

Some stakeholders have also called for caution in the Niger crisis, noting that Guinea, Burkina Fasso, Mali, where military has succeeded in coup, may express solidarity with Niger Republic and support the military on the outbreak of war.