European Union sets to impose sanctions on Niger
Countries from the European Union bloc are set to impose a slew of sanctions on members of the Niger coup plotters after they seized power in the West African country, according to Reuters.
The news agency quoted an official involved in the proposed sanctions who disclosed that the European Union has started discussing criteria for the punishment.
The official indicated the move to sanction the coup plotters is likely to be agreed soon.
The Abdourahmane Tchiani-led juntas have so far rejected international diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring constitutional order in Niger after President Mohamed Bazoum was removed from office.
Fellow military juntas in neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso, have called on the United Nations and African Union to prevent any military intervention.
On Tuesday, Nigeria’s President and ECOWAS Chairman Bola Tinubu placed more penalties on Niger, aimed at pressuring organizations and individuals engaged in the takeover, and stated that all alternatives remained on the table.
Meanwhile, heads of state from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are expected to meet in the Nigerian capital Abuja, on Thursday, to discuss Niger, including more sanctions and potential use of force to bring back the deposed leader who is still in captivity.
