EU decides on sanctioning Niger military junta

The European Union took a legal step on Monday towards sanctioning Niger’s new military rulers, who deposed the democratically elected leader in July.

The 27-nation union has criticized Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum’s overthrow, which deposed a crucial Western partner in the jihadist-infested region.

The EU disclosed that 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 move, according to the union’s foreign policy leader, “sends a clear message—military coups have consequences.”

Following the military coup, the EU has already suspended security cooperation and financial assistance to Niger.

Following a request from Niger’s new rulers, former colonial power France is withdrawing its 1,500-strong military deployment to the Sahel country.

Bazoum has refused to resign since being deposed by the military and has been held inside his apartment in the heart of the presidential palace with his wife and son.