African Union suspends Niger in response to coup crackdown.

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【Summary】The African Union has suspended Niger following a military coup. The AU called on its members and the international community to reject the unconstitutional change of government. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is prepared for military intervention if necessary. The AU urged the junta to prioritize the interests of Niger and its people. The junta proposed a return to democracy within three years.

FutureCar Staff Aug 22, 2023 10:39 AM PT

African Union suspends Niger in response to coup crackdown.

The African Union has taken action against Niger following the military takeover of the country by a junta on July 26. The AU, which consists of 55 member states, announced the immediate suspension of Niger from all AU activities until constitutional order is restored. This decision was made during a meeting of the AU's Peace and Security Council on August 14 to address the military coup in Niger.

The AU has called on its members and the international community to reject the unconstitutional change of government in Niger and refrain from actions that would legitimize the illegal regime. In addition, the AU Peace and Security Council has requested an assessment of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) decision to deploy a standby force to Niger. The assessment will evaluate the economic, social, and security implications of such a deployment.

Initially, ECOWAS gave the junta a seven-day ultimatum to restore power or face consequences, including military action. However, no military intervention occurred as ECOWAS and its allies, including the US and the European Union, have been engaged in dialogue and diplomacy. Nevertheless, ECOWAS has announced its readiness to proceed with military intervention and has set a "D-Day" for action.

The African Union has expressed solidarity with ECOWAS's efforts to restore constitutional order in Niger through diplomatic means. In its official statement, the AU has urged the military junta to prioritize the interests of Niger and its people, return to the barracks, and submit to civilian authorities in accordance with the country's constitution.

The AU's suspension of Niger comes shortly after the junta proposed a return to democracy within three years. General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the military ruler who seized power in the coup, stated during a televised address that neither the junta nor the people of Niger desire war and remain open to dialogue. The principles of the transition will be determined within the next 30 days through a national dialogue hosted by the junta, and the transition itself should not exceed three years.