European Union countries on Monday adopted a framework to impose sanctions on members of a junta that seized power in Niger.
The EU Council said the new framework would allow the EU to sanction individuals and entities responsible for actions that threaten the peace, stability and security of Niger.
It added that the framework would also undermine the constitutional order, or constitute serious violations to human rights or international humanitarian law.
According to the EU, it aims to mirror and strengthen any measures taken by the West African regional body ECOWAS.
EU foreign policy chief, Joseph Borrell said “the EU has from the very beginning condemned the coup d’état in Niger in the strongest terms.
“With today’s decision, the EU strengthens its support to ECOWAS’ efforts and sends a clear message: military coups bear costs.”
Borrell said with the restrictive measures, the EU could freeze assets of targeted entities and individuals and hand them travel bans.
