EU threatens to suspend all budgetary aid to Niger amid coup
The European Union strongly condemns the military coup in Niger and threatens to suspend "all budgetary aid" to the African country, Josep Borrell, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Policy, said on Friday.
"Any violation of the constitutional order will have consequences for EU-Niger cooperation, including the possible immediate suspension of budgetary aid," Borrell warned. He called the overthrow of president Mohamed Bazoum "a grave attack on stability and democracy".
On Wednesday, military forces deposed Bazoum and seized power in Niger. General Abdourahamane Tchiani has proclaimed himself the new ruler, whileBazoum is being held in his palace in Niamey.
Tchiani read a statement on Friday as president of the National Council for the Protection of the Fatherland, the junta that ousted the president. He justified the coup by citing the "deterioration of the security situation" in the country, which is facing violence from jihadist groups.
Supporters of the Nigerien defence and security forces attack the headquarters of the Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism, the party of ousted president Mohamed Bazoum, in Niamey on 27 July 2023 © PHOTO AFP
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