Following the overthrow of Niger’s democratically elected president by a coup, France and the EU have stopped providing financial assistance to the West African nation.
The former colonial power of Niger, France, added to the growing international pressure on the coup plotters by calling for the “immediate return to the Nigerien constitutional order” in a statement.
The action was taken shortly after the European Union said earlier on Saturday that it would no longer be providing financial support and cease any security cooperation with Niger. One of the poorest nations in the world, Niger receives aid worth hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
After President Mohamed Bazoum was detained earlier this week, Abdourahamane Tiani, a general who oversees the nation’s presidential guard, was sworn in as the new president.
According to Josep Borell, head of foreign affairs for the EU, “this unacceptable attack on the integrity of Niger’s republican institutions will not remain without consequences for the partnership and cooperation between the European Union and Niger, in all its various aspects.”
“President Bazoum was democratically chosen and is still Niger’s only legal leader. He must be released immediately and without conditions.
The release of Bazoum has been demanded by leaders from Washington to Moscow, but to no avail.
The Nigerien military was ordered to “immediately and unconditionally return to their barracks and restore constitutional authority” by the African Union on Saturday. If the rights of political detainees are not protected, the AU threatened to “take necessary action, including punitive measures against the perpetrators.”
If the Economic Community of West African States decides to impose penalties against Niger, both Borell and French President Emmanuel Macron stated that they would be ready to support them.
It is unknown to what extent those aiming to grab power would be influenced by foreign pressure.
An aide who supported the ousted president told CNN that the conspirators were fighting among themselves. The military of Niger has supported the coup, though.
The Sahel region of Africa, which includes Mali and Burkina Faso, has experienced multiple power grabs recently. Niger is located in the centre of this region.