Rabat – The European Union has adopted a framework to impose sanctions on members of the junta that seized power in Niger in July.
The framework allows the EU to sanction “individuals and entities responsible for actions that threaten the peace, stability and security of Niger, undermine the constitutional order, democracy, the rule of law, or constitute serious human rights violations or abuses, or violations of applicable international humanitarian law in Niger,” the EU Council said.
“The EU has from the very beginning condemned the coup d’etat in Niger in the strongest terms,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borell said.
“With today’s decision, the EU strengthens its support to ECOWAS’ efforts and sends a clear message: military coups bear costs.” He added
Early in July, a group of soldiers led by Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane took control of the country and announced the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum through a military coup.
Since then, the international community has been expressing concerns about the situation, demanding the restoration of democratic legitimacy in the country.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had imposed sanctions on the country and threatened the use of force.
The current sanction by the EU allows the bloc to freeze assets of targeted entities and hand them travel bans.
