European Union adopts framework for sanctions against military regime

On Monday, October 23, the European Union adopted a legal framework allowing it to take sanctions against the military regime that came to power in Niger through a coup at the end of July. The Twenty-Seven had already strongly condemned this putsch, while the military held elected president Mohamed Bazoum in captivity. In the wake of the coup d’état, the EU also suspended its budgetary aid to the Sahelian country and ceased all security cooperation.

The legal regime validated on Monday by EU foreign ministers, meeting in Luxembourg, will provide a framework for “sanction individuals and entities responsible for actions that threaten peace, stability and security in Niger”, specified the European Council in a press release. Also targeted are those “whose actions undermine the constitutional order, democracy and the rule of law, or constitute serious violations or abuses of human rights.”

Such sanctions generally consist of placement on a blacklist which results in a freezing of assets in the EU, deprivation of access to financing from Europe and a ban on entering European territory. “With today’s decision, the EU (…) sends a clear message: military coups have a cost,” declared the head of EU diplomacy, Josep Borrell. This sanctions regime provides for an exemption for humanitarian aid and “activities meeting basic human needs”he explained.