In response to a coup that ousted Niger's democratically elected president, France and the European Union have taken decisive actions by cutting off financial assistance to the West African

nation. As Niger's former colonial power, France called for an immediate restoration of the constitutional order in the country, adding to the growing international pressure on the coup plotters.

The European Union, on its part, suspended all security cooperation with Niger and announced the discontinuation of financial support. Niger, being one of the world's poorest countries, receives significant financial aid annually from international partners.

Following the coup, General Abdourahamane Tiani, leader of the country's presidential guard, declared himself as Niger's new leader after detaining President Mohamed Bazoum earlier in the week. The international community, including leaders from Washington to Moscow, has called for the release of President Bazoum, but their appeals have not yet been heeded.

The African Union joined the chorus demanding that Nigerien military personnel return to their barracks and restore constitutional authority within 15 days. The AU warned that it would take necessary action, including punitive measures against the perpetrators, if the rights of political detainees were not respected.

Both the EU's foreign policy chief, Josep Borell, and French President Emmanuel Macron have expressed willingness to support regional organizations like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in implementing sanctions against Niger, should they decide to do so.

Despite international pressure, the situation remains uncertain as some reports suggest infighting among the coup plotters. Niger's military, however, has endorsed the coup.

Niger is a vital ally of the United States, France, and other Western governments, and its status as a democracy in a region grappling with Islamist insurgencies has been significant. The coup has raised concerns about stability in the Sahel region, which has witnessed several power struggles in recent years, affecting countries like Mali and Burkina Faso. Photo by NigerTZai, Wikimedia commons.