The European Union (EU) has suspended its financial assistance and security cooperation to Niger Republic with immediate effect.
Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief, announced this in a statement.
This came after the Niger’s military coup on Friday.
Coup leaders had declared General Abdourahamane Tiani the new head of state, deposing President Mohamed Bazoum.
The EU, the US, and other countries have called for Bazoum’s unconditional release and the restoration of democratic order in the country.
“In addition to the immediate cessation of budget support, all cooperation actions in the domain of security are suspended indefinitely with immediate effect,” Borrell said.
Niger is a major recipient of Western aid and a key European Union partner in containing irregular migration from Sub-Saharan Africa.
The EU also has a small contingent of troops in Niger for military training.
According to its website, the European Union has allocated 503 million euros ($554 million) from its budget to improve governance, education, and sustainable growth in Niger between 2021 and 2024.