Niger coup: EU threatens sanctions on Niamey
Supporters wave Nigerien's flags as they rally in support of Niger's junta in front of the National Assembly in Niamey on July 30, 2023. Niger's junta said ECOWAS could stage an imminent military intervention in the capital Niamey as the regional body meets for an "extraordinary summit" on the coup-hit country, with sanctions a possibility.
The EU said Monday, July 31, it would hold Niger's putschists responsible for all attacks on civilians, diplomatic personnel and embassies after pro-coup demonstrators rallied outside the embassy of former colonial ruler France.
The European Union will also "quickly and resolutely" apply the decision of the West African regional bloc ECOWAS to apply economic sanctions on Niger, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a statement.
Military intervention
Niger's junta said Ecowas could stage an imminent military intervention in the capital Niamey as the regional bloc was due to hold an "extraordinary summit" on Sunday over the coup in the Sahel state.
Niger's elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, has been held by the military for four days, and General Abdourahamane Tiani, the chief of the powerful presidential guard, has declared himself leader.
Former colonial ruler France and the European Union have suspended security cooperation and financial aid to Niger following the coup, the latest to hit the turbulent Sahel region.
