(VOVWORLD) - The European Union on Saturday announced that all security cooperation actions and financial support to Niger are suspended indefinitely with immediate effect after military leaders this week overthrew the democratically elected president Mohamed Bazoum.
 Col. Major Amadou Abdramane (sitting), a spokesperson for the National Committee for the Salvation of the People, announces the coup d’etat on a televised statement in Niger on July 26, 2023. (Photo: AFP/VNA) |
Niger soldiers say President Bazoum has been confined to the presidential palace while aerial and land borders have been closed and a nationwide curfew is currently in place until the situation stabilizes.
The French Foreign Ministry said France has suspended all development aid and budget support with immediate effect, demanding a prompt return to constitutional order with Mr. Bazoum back in charge.
Niger has received a huge amount of official development assistance from Western countries and is a key partner of the EU in helping curb the flow of irregular migrants from sub-Saharan Africa.
The bloc allocated 503 million euros from its budget to improve governance, education and sustainable growth in Niger between 2021 and 2024.
Also on Saturday, the African Union (AU) demanded Niger’s military “return to their barracks and restore constitutional authority” within 15 days.
It “condemns in the strongest terms possible” the overthrow of the elected government and expressed deep concern over the “alarming resurgence” of military coups in Africa.
Hissein Brahim Taha, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s chief, said he strongly condemned any attempt to seize power by force, stressing Bazoum’s safety and the need to restore the rule of law in the country.
The same day, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken called for the immediate release of President Bazoum and the restoration of democratic rule. Blinken said the economic and security partnership between the US and Niger depends on the constitutional order in Niger.