The European Union (EU) has halted its financial support and cooperation on security with Niger Republic.

Th EU halted its support with immediate effect following the military coup in the country, the EU's senior diplomat said on Saturday.

The coup leaders declared General Abdourahamane Tiani as head of state on Friday, ousting President Mohamed Bazoum.

The EU, the United States and other countries have called for the unconditional release of Bazoum from detention and the restoration of democratic order in the country.

According to Reuters, EU foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, in a statement said; “In addition to the immediate cessation of budget support, all cooperation actions in the domain of security are suspended indefinitely with immediate effect.”

Niger Republic is a major recipient of Western aid and a key partner of the European Union in helping contain irregular migration from sub-Saharan Africa. The EU also has a small number of troops in Niger Republic for a military training mission.

The EU allocated 503 million euros ($554 million) from its budget to improve governance, education and sustainable growth in Niger Republic over 2021-2024, according to its website.

Recall that CEOAFRICA had also reported that the Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Bola Tinubu would host a special meeting of the regional leaders on Sunday, July 30th in Abuja.

This follows the coup in Republic of Niger that has upended the constitutional political leadership in the West Africa country.

This was contained in a statement issued by Dele Alake, Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications & Strategy.

Alake said President Tinubu, as Chairman of ECOWAS, in a statement he personally signed on Wednesday July 26, 2023, condemned the current political situation in the neighbouring country and promised that ECOWAS and the international community would do everything to defend democracy and ensure democratic governance continues to take firm root in the sub-region.

“US Vice President Kamala Harris and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in separate telephone calls Thursday evening with President Tinubu affirmed the support of the US and UN for the position taken by ECOWAS and the Nigerian leader to restore constitutional order in Niger,” he added.

Soldiers in the West African country of Niger had announced a coup on national TV on Wednesday and had dissolved the constitution, suspended all institutions and closed the nation’s borders.