EU rules out cooperation with junta in Niger

By Agnes Szucs

BRUSSELS (AA) – The European Union on Tuesday ruled out recognizing the military junta in Niger or continuing cooperation, including on migration management.

The European Union is “not recognizing the military coup … and we will act accordingly when it comes to all the programs and cooperation,” including migration management, Peter Stano, the lead spokesperson of the EU’s diplomatic service, told journalists.

He acknowledged that the coup in the West African country “creates huge problems, huge risks in many respects,” such as security challenges and migration management.

The bloc supports “strongly and firmly the actions and decisions taken by ECOWAS,” the Economic Community of West African States, to “find a solution and reinstate the democratically elected head of state in Niger," he added.

Stano stressed that the EU is waiting for the results of the ECOWAS extraordinary meeting and will act depending on “how the situation evolves.”

Niger’s military junta appointed a transitional prime minister on Monday after they detained President Mohamed Bazoum and announced a takeover on July 26.

ECOWAS will hold an emergency summit on Thursday in Nigeria to address the political crisis after Niger’s military leaders ignored the bloc’s ultimatum to cede power.

The US State Department also demanded the coup leaders reinstate Bazoum and for Niger to return to its “constitutional order.”