On May 27, the European Council decided not to extend the European Union military partnership mission in Niger (EUMPM) beyond June 30, 2024, due to the current severe political situation in the country. The mission was established in December 2022 after the former Nigerien authorities requested it to increase the Niger Armed Force’s ability to contain the terrorist threat, protect the population, and ensure a safe and secure environment in compliance with human rights law and international humanitarian law. The agreed initial duration was three years.
On July 26, 2023, a military coup attempt overthrew democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum. Two days later, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, chief of the Presidential Guard, declared himself President of the Conseil National pour la sauvegarde de la Patrie (CNSP).
The EU strongly condemned the coup and, in October 2023, established a framework for restrictive measures to target those undermining stability, democracy, and the rule of law in Niger, posing a threat to peace and security in the region.
On December 4, 2023, the Niger junta announced the termination of the agreement that allowed the deployment of the EUCAP Sahel Niger mission and the EU Military Partnership Mission in Niger (EUMPM Niger). On December 5, the High Representative Josep Borrell expressed regret over this decision. On December 21, 2023, the Mission Commander, Lieutenant-General Michiel van der Laan, informed the Council that EU personnel of EUMPM Niger had been redeployed to Europe. On April 23, 2024, the Political and Security Committee agreed that EUMPM Niger should stop activities beyond June 30, 2024.
