African Union Suspends Niger due to Military Coup

The African Union has suspended Niger, which has been under the leading of a coup since July 26th, and warned its members to refrain from taking any actions that would lend the junta legitimacy.

According to a news release released on Tuesday, the continental organisation also cut ties with the west African regional group ECOWAS after voicing concerns on a potential military intervention to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum.

According to a press release on Tuesday, the AU Peace and Security Council agreed to immediately suspend the Republic of Niger’s participation in all AU activities, its organs, and institutions pending the nation’s effective return to constitutional order.

It expressly states that it prefers the diplomatic option and requests that the AU Commission “assess the economic, social, and security implications” of such a deployment.

The PSC affirms its “strong support for Ecowas’ tireless efforts towards the peaceful restoration of constitutional order” in Niger and backs “the efforts of Ecowas in its sustained commitment to the restoration of constitutional order through diplomatic means”.

Additionally, it “invites the Nigerian military junta to cooperate with Ecowas and the AU in order to peacefully and quickly restore constitutional order.”

Additionally, it requests “progressive application” of the penalties and a reduction in their “disproportionate impact on the citizens of Niger.” It also urges member states to “fully implement the sanctions imposed by Ecowas” against Niger.