Niger Terminates Counter-Terrorism Military Agreement with European Union

Ouagadougou – The Republic of Niger has officially ended its counter-terrorism military agreement with the European Union, known as the UCAP Sahel, a decision confirmed by the Niger Press Agency.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Niger issued a letter on Monday, December 4, 2023, notifying the European Union’s representation in Niamey of the termination of the EUCAP Sahel mission agreement in Niger. This action effectively concludes the military partnership between the EU and Niger aimed at combating terrorism in the region.

The decision to terminate the agreement was made in compliance with the terms of the agreement document, which included a six-month notice period, as stated by Niger’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. Additionally, the privileges and immunities previously granted to the personnel of the EU Military Partnership Mission (EUMPM) have been revoked, in line with general international law and the 1986 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties between States and International Organizations.

The EUCAP Sahel mission, launched in 2012, was established to provide technical and material support to Niger’s forces engaged in anti-terrorism efforts. With this denunciation, the European Union mission is expected to fully withdraw within the next six months.

This move follows Niger’s recent action on November 28 to cancel a Niger-European agreement aimed at combating African migration to Europe. This included the repeal of an anti-migratory law passed in 2015, which the new authorities in Niamey regarded as influenced by certain foreign powers.

The decision comes amid a broader crisis following the overthrow of Mohamed Bazoum, with the European Union, alongside ECOWAS and France, having not yet recognized the authority of General Tiani. These entities considered military action against Niger to reinstate the deposed president, a situation that continues to evolve.