EU, African Union Escalate Pressure On Niger’s Coup Leaders

EU, African Union Escalate Pressure On Niger’s Coup Leaders

The European Union has announced the suspension of financial support and cooperation on security with Niger in response to the recent military coup. The coup led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani resulted in the detention of President Mohamed Bazoum. The EU’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, stated that all cooperation actions related to security will be suspended indefinitely, and budget support will cease immediately.

The EU had previously allocated 503 million euros for governance, education, and sustainable growth in Niger over the 2021-2024 period. Despite the coup, Borrell reaffirmed President Bazoum as the legitimate leader and demanded his immediate release, holding the coup leaders accountable for the safety of the president and his family. The EU expressed its readiness to support future decisions taken by West Africa’s regional bloc, including the imposition of sanctions.

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Similarly, the United States’ Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, offered his unwavering support to President Bazoum and warned that hundreds of millions of dollars of assistance could be at risk if democratic norms were not restored. Blinken praised Bazoum’s efforts in promoting security in Niger and the broader West Africa region. He emphasized that US support would depend on Niger’s adherence to democratic governance, respect for the rule of law, and human rights.

The African Union also condemned the military coup and demanded that the military return to their barracks and restore constitutional authority within 15 days. The AU expressed deep concern over the alarming resurgence of military coups in Africa.

General Tchiani, who declared himself the head of a transitional government, had previously led resistance to a failed coup in March 2021. Niger, a landlocked country bordering several African nations, is considered an important partner for addressing security threats in the region by the US and France. It is the largest recipient of US military assistance in West Africa and hosts foreign troops, mainly from the US and France.