The European Union (EU) expressed its readiness on Sunday to impose sanctions on Niger, in support of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) efforts to restore democracy.
In a statement released by the European Union, it was stated that “the Union fully supports the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and is ready to support them by imposing individual sanctions.”
The EU condemned the unlawful detention of President Mohamed Bazoum and his family and expressed concerns about the deterioration of his detention conditions, calling for his release, according to the statement.
The European Union reiterated its call for a return to constitutional order, welcomed the decisions of the heads of states of the Economic Community of West African States, and reaffirmed its determination to seek diplomatic solutions to the crisis, according to the statement.
It is worth mentioning that military personnel in the Niger army had announced, on Thursday, July 27, via state television, the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum from office, his detention at his residence, the closure of borders, and the imposition of a curfew. They explained that they decided to end the current regime due to the deteriorating security situation and poor economic management in the country.
The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Ali Touré, announced last Thursday that “the group has instructed its Chiefs of Defense Staff to immediately activate its standby force,” amid uncertainty about the situation in Niger following the recent military uprising.
ECOWAS also announced sanctions on Niger, including closing its airspace to the country and suspending trade exchanges, following the military assumption of power and the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum.
