At their informal meeting in Toledo on 31 August, the European foreign affairs ministers are due to discuss the situation in Niger, a few weeks after the start of the coup d’état, and in particular possible sanctions against those responsible.
On 12 August, the EU high Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, reiterated in a statement on behalf of the EU the firm condemnation of the coup in Niger, “which can only have a negative impact on the well-being and security of the Nigerien people and on regional stability”. He also reiterated the EU’s call for a return to constitutional order and its support for President Bazoum, calling for his immediate and unconditional release.
On 14 August, Mr Borrell denounced the junta’s desire to accuse Mr Bazoum of high treason, calling it “a new provocative gesture against democracy in Niger, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Niger’s partners”.
The EU also welcomed the decisions taken by the ECOWAS Heads of State at the second extraordinary summit on the situation in Niger on 10 August 2023, in particular the determination to continue to seek a diplomatic solution to the current crisis, while noting the mobilisation of the Standby Force. “The EU fully supports the efforts being made by ECOWAS and stands ready to support them, including through the introduction of a new regime of individual sanctions”, warned Mr Borrell. On 21 August, ECOWAS rejected the idea of a transition of up to three years put forward by the junta.
The EU explained that it would continue to provide humanitarian aid and to stand by the people of Niger, particularly in its commitment to human rights.
At the beginning of August, the European Union, through its civil protection mechanism, took part in the repatriation of EU citizens from Niger. Five French planes left Niamey for Paris in the first few days of the month to repatriate more than 1,000 people from 50 countries. On 2 August, the Commission announced that the mechanism would finance 75% of transport costs. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)