The political landscape in Niger changed dramatically on July 26, 2023, when a military coup ousted democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum. The EU swiftly condemned the coup as an illegal power grab and, by October 2023, imposed targeted sanctions on the coup leaders.

Relations between the EU and Niger continued to decline. In December 2023, the military junta in Niger terminated the legal agreements that governed the presence of EU missions, including EUCAP Sahel Niger and EUMPM Niger. As a result, EUMPM personnel were redeployed to other locations.

Conclusion of the Mission

Faced with the ongoing political and security crisis, the EU Council has deemed it prudent to conclude the EUMPM mandate. The mission will officially end on June 30, 2024.

This decision reflects the significant challenges and uncertainties surrounding the future of EU-Niger relations. The EU Council continues to monitor the situation closely and will reassess its position as necessary.