"EU Cuts Aid to Niger Coup Authorities as Military Takeovers Spread in Sahel Region"

The European Union has rejected the military leaders of Niger and suspended all security cooperation with the country following the recent coup. The EU supports the democratically-elected President Mohamed Bazoum and is ready to back decisions, including the adoption of sanctions, taken by the regional bloc ECOWAS. France and the US have also withdrawn support, with France suspending development and budget aid and the US warning that the coup jeopardizes their assistance. The African Union has condemned the coup and called for the army to restore constitutional authority. The security situation in Niger is of concern, particularly with the presence of Russian mercenaries from the Wagner Group.