The head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, remarked that the European Union would assess Niger’s move to end its military collaboration with EU missions. He conveyed that the EU would formulate concrete operational conclusions in response to the decision, and he reiterated that this assessment would consider the broader security and political implications for the Sahel region. The remarks were attributed to him through a Russian agency report today.
According to Borrell, the European Union regrets Niger’s choice to terminate the agreement that underpins the legal framework for the European Union Capacity Building Mission, the Sahel Niger, and the EUMPM Military Cooperation Mission. He stressed that the EU will examine how this shift affects ongoing security efforts and regional stability, and will respond with appropriate measures as circumstances dictate.
Since its inception in 2012, the mission in Niger has aimed to strengthen counter-insurgency capabilities and address additional security threats facing the country and the region. Over the years, the presence of European personnel has provided training, advisory support, and operational coordination designed to bolster Nigerien forces. In total, nearly 120 European soldiers have been stationed in Niger, contributing to capacity-building and interoperability with local security structures. This footprint, while modest in scale, has been part of a broader EU strategy to support stabilisation efforts in the Sahel through partnerships with regional security frameworks. [EU official record, attribution]
Meanwhile, tensions within the Sahel Governance framework were evident as Burkina Faso and Niger decided on December 2 to withdraw from all components of the Sahel Five (G5) alliance, including joint security operations. The move signaled a shift in regional security collaborations and prompted concerns about the continuity of regional responses to shared threats such as armed extremism and cross-border crime. Analysts noted that the G5 Sahel has faced governance and funding challenges, which can complicate rapid decision-making during crises. [Regional security brief, attribution]
In the early hours of July 26, Niger’s presidential guard detained President Mohamed Bazoum at his residence in Niamey. Access to the president’s home was blocked, and negotiators’ requests for his release were reportedly dismissed. It was alleged that the guard sought to compel Bazoum to resign, an outcome he reportedly refused. Following the incident, the work of state institutions was disrupted, and border controls were tightened as authorities sought to stabilize the capital and prevent escalation. Media reports linked the internal tensions to personnel changes at the highest level, including discussions about the dismissal of General Omar Tchiani, the commander of the presidential guard. [News wires, attribution]
As the crisis unfolded, Bazoum sought international backing, turning to the United States for support amid the stalemate with the coup plotters. Concurrently, ECOWAS, the Economic Community of West African States, issued an ultimatum, warning that it would consider regional intervention if the situation did not deteriorate into a political resolution or a transition back to civilian rule. The coup leaders reiterated threats, warning that any military deployment to restore power could trigger further instability or retaliatory actions targeting the deposed government. The broader international response underscored the sensitivity of the crisis for regional security and for partners invested in democratic governance and civilian protection in West Africa. [International briefing, attribution]
Earlier in the year, officials within the European Commission had warned about the potential risk of terrorist attacks in the European Union during the holiday period, emphasizing the importance of maintaining prepared defensive postures and international cooperation to counter evolving threats. The message highlighted how disruptions in Sahel security dynamics can have ripple effects that extend beyond the immediate theater, reinforcing EU vigilance and the need for coordinated, preventive measures across Europe and its neighbors. [Commission briefing, attribution]