The World Bank’s arbitration body has ruled that Niger cannot trade uranium from the Somaïr mine, which was seized earlier this year from French nuclear group Orano SA.
In its decision, the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) prohibited Niger’s military-led government from selling, transferring, or enabling the transfer of uranium from the disputed site, Orano confirmed in a statement released Friday.
The ruling follows heightened tensions between Niger and Orano, after the junta blocked exports for several months before taking over the mine in June. Security forces also raided Orano’s Niamey offices, intensifying the standoff.
The ICSID further called on Niger to comply with a July appeal court ruling in Niamey by releasing Orano’s detained country representative, who remains in custody despite the judgment.