EU Establishes Niger Sanctions Regime, Extends ISIL and Burundi Restrictions

The EU established a sanctions framework pertaining to the situation in Niger, allowing the bloc to sanction the parties that "undermine the stability, democracy, rule of law in Niger, and constitute a threat to peace and security in the region." The European Council announced Oct. 23 that the sanctions framework will aid the Economic Community of West African States' (ECOWAS) efforts to secure a return to "constitutional order in Niger" after a military coup in the country earlier this year. Sanctions under the regime will include a humanitarian exemption.

In a separate sanctions move, the European Council extended the restrictive measures against ISIL/Da'esh and al-Qaida for another year, setting up the sanctions to last until Oct. 31, 2024. The restrictions currently apply to 14 individuals and five entities, subjecting them to an asset freeze and travel ban.

The Council also extended the sanctions regime on Burundi until Oct. 31, 2024. The sanctions subject one individual to an asset freeze and travel ban.