Three months after they took control in a coup, the European Union (EU) has started taking action to impose penalties on members of the military dictatorship in Niger.
In a statement released on Monday, the EU Council said that it has moved to establish a framework that would allow it to apply penalties on “individuals and entities found responsible for actions that pose a threat to the peace, stability, and security of Niger.”
The council made it clear that those who challenge the rule of law, democracy, or the constitutional order in Niger will be the subject of these measures. People who violate or abuse human rights will also be subject to penalties.
Travel bans, asset freezes, and limitations on transferring money to sanctioned parties are all included in the list of sanctions.
Josep Borrell, the head of the EU’s foreign policy, emphasized the EU’s support for ECOWAS and made it plain that military coups have a price. “With today’s decision, the EU strengthens its support to ECOWAS’ efforts and sends a clear message: military coups bear costs.”
It’s crucial to remember that the EU has allowed for humanitarian exceptions to asset freeze regulations.
The decision by the European Union follows sanctions that ECOWAS has previously placed on Niger and the suspension of help by the US government.
