EU Council approves rules for imposing sanctions against Niger

The Council of the European Union has approved a framework for sanctions measures in connection with the situation in Niger, where a coup took place this summer and the military seized power .

“With this new system, the EU will be able to impose sanctions on individuals and organizations responsible for actions that threaten the peace, stability and security of Niger, undermine constitutional order, democracy, the rule of law or constitute serious violations of human rights or violations of applicable international humanitarian law in Niger,” says a message on the EU Council website.

Restrictive measures include an asset freeze, a ban on the provision of funds to individuals and legal entities, and a travel ban on individuals.

European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell noted that the EU, with its decision on sanctions, “sends a clear signal” that “military coups come with costs.” However, the new restrictions include a “humanitarian exemption from the assets freeze” to ensure the timely delivery of humanitarian aid to Niger, he added.

The coup in Niger took place on July 26. A group of military men from the presidential guard (later joined by the command of the country's armed forces) seized power. The HEAD of the guard, Abdurahman Chiani, declared himself the new head of state instead of the ousted Mohamed Bazoum. The rebels created their own government body - the National Council for the Defense of the Fatherland (CNSP) - and formed a transitional government .

The leaders of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African Countries) imposed sanctions against the rebels: they announced the closure of borders with Niger and the introduction of a ban on air travel , all financial transactions with the republic were stopped, and Niger's state assets in the central banks of the union countries were frozen.

The European Union also refuses to recognize the authorities formed as a result of the coup, Borrell said. Following the incident, the EU suspended financial support and security cooperation with Niger, and also expressed its readiness to join ECOWAS by introducing a new regime of individual sanctions against the rebels.