The Foreign Affairs Ministry in Germany has expressed its support for the European Union’s sanctions against the military junta in Niger. The EU foreign ministers are set to discuss the situation in Niger, along with potential sanctions, during a meeting in Toledo, Spain, on August 31, 2023.
Germany, a major contributor of aid to Niger, has thrown its weight behind the EU’s decision to suspend security cooperation and financial support, amounting to EUR 503 million for 2021-2024, aimed at improving governance and education in the country.
Germany’s Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, has engaged in discussions with various stakeholders, including African Union Chair Moussa Mahamat and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, regarding the coup in Niger. The ministry shared through social media that Baerbock’s objective is to restore constitutional order in Niger.
German Development Minister Svenja Schulze also met with representatives from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) during a visit to Abuja. The ministry emphasized Germany’s alignment with the EU’s decision to introduce sanctions against the coup leaders in Niger following the suspension of development and security cooperation.
The military junta in Niger took power on July 26 after ousting President Mohamed Bazoum, defying calls from the United Nations, ECOWAS, and Western powers to reinstate him. This has prompted West African heads of state to order the assembly of a standby force. Germany’s support for sanctions underscores international efforts to restore stability and constitutional order in Niger.