EU countries consider imposing sanctions on Niger junta

European Union (EU) member states have unanimously endorsed a framework to impose sanctions on the junta that seized power in Niger in July.

The EU Council announced that the new framework empowers the EU to sanction individuals and entities responsible for actions posing threats to Niger's peace, stability, and security.

The sanctions will also target those undermining constitutional order or committing serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.

The EU's move is aligned with efforts by the West African regional body ECOWAS, and it aims to mirror and reinforce any measures taken by ECOWAS against the Niger junta.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell emphasized the EU's condemnation of the coup, stating, “With today's decision, the EU strengthens its support to ECOWAS' efforts and sends a clear message: military coups bear costs.”

The sanctions framework provides the EU with tools to freeze assets belonging to targeted individuals and entities and impose travel bans on them.