Situation in Niger After Military Coup
On July 26, Niger's presidential guard detained President Mohamed Bazoum. The guard's commander, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, proclaimed himself the country's new leader.

EU Ready to Impose Sanctions Against Niger in Order to 'Restore Democracy'

European Union Flag - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 13.08.2023
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On July 30, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) imposed a range of sanctions on Niger in response to the military coup which took place in the country in late July. On Thursday, following ECOWAS, the EU also launched preparations for the first batch of sanctions targeting the West African state.
The European Union (EU) is ready to impose sanctions against Niger in support of ECOWAS's efforts to restore democracy in the coup-hit country, according to a communique.
"EU fully supports the efforts made by ECOWAS and stands ready to support them, including through the establishment of a new regime of individual sanctions," the statement said.
The European bloc welcomed the decisions taken by the ECOWAS Summit on August 10, especially, "the willingness to continue to seek a diplomatic solution to the ongoing crisis, while taking note of the mobilization of the pending force."
Nigerien men gather for an anti-French protest in Niamey, Niger, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023. - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 12.08.2023
Situation in Niger After Military Coup
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In addition, the EU reiterated its support for Nigerien President Mohammed Bazoum, who had been ousted as a result of the coup, and condemned the illegal detention of him and his family, expressed concern about the deterioration of his detention conditions and once again called for his release.
On Thursday, an emergency ECOWAS summit on the situation in Niger was held in Abuja. The organization reportedly instructed the Defense Chiefs of Staff Committee to immediately activate reserve forces to restore constitutional order in Niger.
The move was backed by the African Union, while Russia, the US and the UK called for a diplomatic solution to the crisis in the West African nation.
Moscow warned that a military solution to the crisis in Niger risks prolonging the confrontation and destabilizing the Sahara-Sahel region, as the coup leaders have signaled their readiness to "fight back against any foreign intervention."
At the end of July, Bazoum's own guard, led by Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, removed the president from power. The leaders of most Western countries and the ECOWAS condemned the coup.
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