EU Suspend Budget Support in Niger Republic Over Recent Coup

Niger's military coup that happened last week has prompted the European Union to halt the financial assistance and security cooperation it has provided for the country with immediate effect.

The suspension of support from the EU came after the African Union gave a 15-day warning to those who orchestrated the coup to go back to their barracks and restore the democratic constitution and suspended institutions.

Speaking on this, Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign policy leader, announced the measures the union has decided, he said: “In addition to the immediate cessation of budget support, all cooperation actions in the domain of security are suspended indefinitely with immediate effect.”

“The European Union does not recognize and will not recognize the authorities from the putsch in Niger,” Borrell added, saying Mohamed Bazoum “remains the only legitimate president of Niger” and called for his immediate release.”

Borrell stated that the European Union will support any future move by West Africa’s regional union including giving sanctions. 

The coup that happened in Niger is a big disappointment to the country and the region in which it operates. The country has been a key beneficiary of funding from global financial giants who have supported the country in the battle against terrorists that have destabilized the Sahel region. Following the coup, countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Guinea have also experienced military coups within the last five years.

Speaking to Niger State television, one of the key plotters in the person of Brig Gen Mohamed Toumba stated that the military has asked all civil  servants to go about their normal activities as the coup did not affect their work, 

“The message given was not to stop the processes underway, to keep on with things,” said Toumba.

The EU and US have urged the military to release the Bazoum’s and restore democracy to the region. In records, between 2021 and 2024, the EU has invested £432 million in Niger to support education, governance, and sustainable growth.

On Friday Tchiani was declared head of state by Col Amadou Abdramane, who first announced the military takeover, and said the constitution and other institutions had been dissolved.