AFRICAN UNION SUSPENDS NIGER WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT OVER MILITARY COUP

Tue 22 August 2023:

In response to the coup that deposed President Mohamed Bazoum’s government, the African Union (AU) has suspended Niger from the union with immediate effect.

According to the Peace and Security Council, Niger will stay suspended until civilian governance is restored in the nation.

Following a meeting in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa on Tuesday, the council announced its decision.

It comes after several Western countries cut aid to Niger following the July 26 coup. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) also imposed sanctions and last week, agreed on a “D-day” to begin a military intervention.

ECOWAS said the use of force would be the “last resort” after exhausting diplomatic channels for negotiation.

It agreed to activate a “standby force” as a last resort to restore democracy in Niger.

On Monday, it rejected a proposal by Niger’s military government to hold elections within three years.

The AU said it was reviewing ECOWAS’s plan of military intervention and called on all of its member states and the international community to not undertake any action to legitimise Niger’s military government.

“We are studying the ECOWAS decision to prepare forces for deployment in Niger, and the African Commission will evaluate its repercussions,” the statement said.

“We strongly reject any external interference by any party or country in the affairs of the continent, including private military companies.”

The AU also reiterated calls for the coup leaders to immediately release elected President Mohamed Bazoum, who has been detained since the coup, and return to their barracks.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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