The EU’s foreign policy chief expressed ‘its full solidarity’ with France, whose ambassador to Niger faces expulsion by the military junta that seized power.
Since the coup in Niger that put President Mohamed Bazoum hostage, the European Union has consistently supported sanctions against the coup leaders. At a press conference in New York following a meeting of EU foreign ministers, the EU’s foreign policy chief reaffirmed the EU’s stance on the Niger crisis and the standoff between the coup leaders and France.
“We expressed our solidarity with France regarding its ambassador,” said Josep Borrell. The diplomat also reiterated his “full support” for President Mohamed Bazoum, who was overthrown and held captive by the military.
“We saluted his courage and determination,” as he has been detained for two months and has no intention of resigning, Josep Borrell also said. On the Sahel, he reiterated that the European Union needed to “reassess” its strategy, approach, policies, and expectations. “We have no conclusions,” he added, while emphasizing that the ministers agreed on one point: the need for a “new approach” in a “much more complex” environment.”
