Niger Ends EU Partnership on Illegal Migration- Analysis

Niger’s military government has announced the repeal of an anti-migration law that prohibited the transportation of migrants through the country to Europe. The decision was made due to concerns over the negative consequences of the legislation. The move comes as the new rulers of Niger, who came to power through a coup in July, reassess the country’s relationships with its former Western allies. Niger has been a significant transit point for migrants from Western Africa on the Central Mediterranean route, and it became an important partner for the EU after the passage of the law in 2015 during the migrant crisis in Europe.

In 2015, the European Union Trust Fund for Africa was established with a budget of €5 billion ($5.5 billion) to address the root causes of irregular migration to the EU through the Sahel and North Africa. According to the fund, Niger received around €85 million in budget support in 2022 to strengthen migration institutions and other initiatives. The law was credited with reducing the number of migrants passing through Niger to reach the EU, but it was also criticized for negatively impacting the local cross-border economy, particularly in the Agadez region.

The Nigerien military government stated in a recent statement that the law had been ratified under the influence of certain foreign powers and without considering its harmful consequences. The decision was made in contradiction to community rules and neglected the interests of Niger and its citizens, according to coup leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani.

The EU Council has approved a framework to impose sanctions on Niger’s military rulers to pressure them into restoring constitutional order and returning power to ousted President Mohammed Bazoum. The measures include freezing assets, prohibiting fund transfers to individuals and entities, and imposing travel bans on members of the new government. The EU member states, particularly Spain and Italy, are struggling to manage a high number of migrants, and the EU had previously suspended aid and security cooperation with Niger in response to the coup.

Source: RT news: Niger cancels partnership with EU on illegal migration