High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said on Saturday that the bloc supports efforts by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to overthrow the military government in Niger, "including through the establishment of a new regime of individual sanctions." However, it did not back the use of the ECOWAS Standby Force, continuing to insist on a diplomatic solution.
"The EU once again condemns the illegal detention of President Bazoum and his family, and wishes to express its deep concern at the continuing and worrying deterioration in their conditions of detention. The EU calls once again for their immediate and unconditional release," Borrell said.