The African Union—AU, on Tuesday suspended Niger from the pan-African bloc until constitutional democracy is restored in the country following the military coup in July.
The decision to suspend the former French colony from AU membership was made by the Peace and Security Council of the bloc during its latest meeting that dwelt upon the situation in the western African country, AU said in a statement.
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 rejected any external interference by any actor or any country outside the continent in the peace and security affairs in Africa.
(Newsband)