EU begins preparations for sanctions against Niger junta: Reuters
The European Union has initiated preparations for sanctions against the junta in Niger (Photo: Getty Images)
European Union countries have begun preparations to introduce the first sanctions against the junta that recently seized power in Niger, according to Reuters.
An official spokesperson of the EU responsible for sanctions issues and one of the EU diplomats revealed to the publication that the bloc has initiated discussions on the criteria for the restrictions.
According to one of the officials, these criteria will encompass the "undermining of democracy" in Niger and are likely to be finalized in the near future.
"The next step would be sanctions against individual members of the junta," he added.
Unanimous consent from all 27 EU member states is required for imposing sanctions, and when this might happen remains unclear.
State coup in Niger
At the end of July, the security forces of Niger President Mohamed Bazoum took him hostage and initiated a state coup.
Following this, the head of the presidential guard, Abdourahmane Tchiani, declared himself the new leader of Niger.
On July 31, West African countries threatened the junta with invasion if they did not release the president within 7 days. Their condition was not met.
According to reports, four African countries are now prepared to send 25,000 soldiers for intervention in Niger.
