EU agrees on framework for Niger sanctions

The European Union on Monday has taken another step towards imposing sanctions on Niger's new military rulers, who overthrew the democratically elected leader in July. 

Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, speaks to the press after attending the International Peace Summit in Egypt, on 21 October 2023. © AFP - KHALED DESOUKI

The EU Council announced it had adopted a legal framework under which it can now "sanction individuals and entities responsible for actions that threaten the peace, stability and security of Niger".

The new framework will also target anyone who "undermine the constitutional order, or constitute serious violations to human rights or international humanitarian law" in Niger.

#Niger 🇳🇪: @EUCouncil adopts a new dedicated framework for targeted sanctions to support stability, democracy and the rule of law, including the constitutional order, in the country.

Read the press release 👇#FAChttps://t.co/RnzChDaEXm

— EU Council Press (@EUCouncilPress) October 23, 2023

The bloc's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the move "sends a clear message: military coups bear costs".

The EU has already suspended security cooperation and financial support with Niger following the military takeover on 26 July 2023.

The 27-nation bloc has condemned the coup against Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum, who was a key partner for Western nations in the jihadist-hit region.

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"The EU has from the very beginning condemned the coup d'état in Niger in the strongest terms," Borrell added.

With this, the EU aims to mirror and strengthen any measures taken by the West African regional body ECOWAS.

"With today's decision, the EU strengthens its support to ECOWAS' efforts."

With these new restrictive measures, the EU could freeze assets of targeted entities and individuals and hand them travel bans.

 (with newswires)