EU suspends budget support, security deal with Niger

EU suspends budget support, security deal with Niger

The move comes after President Mohamed Bazoum's ouster in a military coup.

Supporters of mutinous soldiers demonstrate in Niamey in a coup to remove Nigerien president Mohamed Bazoum. (AP pic)
BRUSSELS:
The European Union has suspended its financial support and cooperation on security with Niger with immediate effect following the military coup there, the EU’s senior diplomat said today.

The coup leaders declared General Abdourahamane Tiani as head of state on Friday, ousting President Mohamed Bazoum.

The EU, the US and other countries have called for the unconditional release of Bazoum from detention and the restoration of democratic order in the country.

“In addition to the immediate cessation of budget support, all cooperation actions in the domain of security are suspended indefinitely with immediate effect,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a statement.

Niger is a major recipient of Western aid and a key partner of the European Union in helping contain irregular migration from sub-Saharan Africa. The EU also has a small number of troops in Niger for a military training mission.

The EU allocated €503 million (US$554 million) from its budget to improve governance, education and sustainable growth in Niger over 2021-2024, according to its website.

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