Germany threatens Niger’s military rulers with EU sanctions

BERLIN

Germany on Thursday threatened Niger’s military rulers with European sanctions unless they return to the constitutional order.

“Germany supports the regional efforts to resolve the crisis in Niger. Our goal is to restore the constitutional order,” the German Foreign Ministry said in a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“After having suspended development & security cooperation, we are in favor of EU sanctions against the leaders of the coup as a next step,” the ministry said.

Germany’s announcement came after Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock held phone calls in recent days with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, and African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat.

Last month, Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, the former commander of Niger’s presidential guard, declared himself the head of a transitional government after President Mohamed Bazoum was ousted by a military intervention.

West African bloc ECOWAS condemned July’s military takeover, repeatedly called on military rulers not to prosecute ousted president, and last week ordered the “activation” of a regional standby force that could intervene to “restore constitutional order” in the country.