The European Union has initiated actions to impose sanctions on members of Niger’s military junta, marking three months since they seized power in a coup.
On Monday, the EU Council announced that it had “adopted a framework” that will enable the imposition of sanctions on “individuals and entities responsible for actions that endanger Niger’s peace, stability, and security.”
These sanctions will target individuals who undermine Niger’s constitutional order, democracy, or rule of law, as well as those involved in human rights violations or abuses.
The sanctions will encompass measures such as travel bans, asset freezes, and prohibitions on providing funds to the sanctioned individuals.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell emphasized that this decision strengthens the EU’s support for the efforts of the West African bloc Ecowas and sends a clear message that military coups come with consequences.
It is important to note that the EU will allow humanitarian exemptions for asset freeze measures.
The European Union’s move follows the imposition of sanctions on Niger by Ecowas and the suspension of aid by the US government.
Source-BBC
