By Ebi Kesiena
On Monday, the European Union (EU) took a legal step towards imposing sanctions on the new military rulers of Niger, who overthrew the democratically elected leader in July.
According to the EU, it has adopted a legal framework under which it can now “sanction individuals and entities responsible for actions that threaten the peace, stability and security of Niger”.
The bloc’s foreign policy chief said the move “sends a clear message – military coups bear costs”.
The EU has strongly condemned the removal of Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum, as well as the removal of a key Western partner in the region hit by jihadist insurgency.
Also, the EU has already suspended security cooperation and financial support with Niger following the military takeover.
Former colonial power France is currently pulling out its 1,500-strong military deployment to the Sahel country after a demand from Niger’s new rulers.
However, a relative told AFP that Bazoum is with his family and is doing well, after claims by the country’s new military rulers last week that he had tried to escape.
Since he was removed by the military, Bazoum has refused to resign and has been held at his residence in the heart of the presidential palace along with his wife and son.
