For ousting a democratically elected government through a military coup, the African Union (AU) Commission on Tuesday suspended Niger from the pan-African bloc until normal constitutional order is restored in the country.
AU said in a statement that the decision to suspend Niger from its membership was made by the Peace and Security Council of the AU Commission during its latest meeting that reviewed the situation in the Western African country.
The council decided “to immediately suspend the participation of Niger from all activities of the AU and its organs and institutions until the effective restoration of constitutional order in the country.”
It reiterated its “unequivocal condemnation” of the military coup that took place on July 26 in Niger, which resulted in the ousting of democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum by a faction of military officers.
The Council reaffirmed its full solidarity with the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, in its continued commitment to the restoration of constitutional order through diplomatic means.
“The Council strongly rejects any external interference by any actor or any country outside the continent in peace and security affairs in Africa.
“It also rejects engagements by private military companies in the continent in line with the 1977 OAU Convention for the Elimination of Mercenaries in Africa,” the statement reads.
The Organisation of African Unity, OAU, was the predecessor of the AU.
It urged the military to place the supreme interests of Niger and its people above all else and to immediately and unconditionally return to the barracks, and submit to civilian authorities consistent with the constitution of Niger.
The council also reiterated its deep concern over the resurgence of military coups as it undermines democracy, peace, security, and stability, as well as development in the continent, AU further stated.
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