The African Union (AU) has suspended Niger from its institutions and activities in response to last month’s coup until constitutional order is restored. The decision comes after the military junta failed to transfer power to democratically elected President Mohammed Bazoum.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the AU cited its Constitutive Act, the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance as the basis for the suspension. The AU urged all member states and the international community to reject the unconstitutional change of government and not to legitimize the illegal regime.
The AU also praised the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for its efforts to facilitate a return to democratic governance in Niger. It urged member states to implement the sanctions imposed by ECOWAS and endorsed by the AU’s Peace and Security Council.
Further details will be provided later.