NIGER | The African Union Suspends Niger from the Continental Bloc

NIAMEY, Niger, August 22, 2023 -The African Union has suspended Niger from the continental bloc with immediate effect, the latest of a number of sanctions on the West African country since last month’s coup.

The decision, announced on Tuesday after a meeting of the AU’s Peace and Security Council in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa, comes after several Western countries cut aid to Niger due to a July 26 coup that overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum.

Bazoum has been under house arrest since the takeover orchestrated by members of his presidential guard.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) also imposed sanctions and last week, agreed on a “D-day” to begin a military intervention through an already activated regional strike force.

ECOWAS said the use of force would be the “last resort” after exhausting diplomatic channels for negotiation. On Monday, it rejected a proposal by Niger’s military government to hold elections within three years.

However, the AU said it was reviewing ECOWAS’s plan of action 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.”

Speaking on national television late last Saturday, General Tchiani, said  details on the potential transition, would be decided within 30 days at a dialogue to be hosted by the ruling military council.

“I reaffirm here that our ambition is not to confiscate power. I also reaffirm our readiness to engage in any dialogue, as long as it takes into account the orientations desired by the proud and resilient people of Niger,” he added.

“Neither the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland nor the people of Niger want war, and remain open to dialogue,” he said after his first meeting with delegates from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in the Nigerien capital, Niamey.

“But let us be clear: If an attack were to be undertaken against us, it will not be the walk in the park some people seem to think,” General Tchiani said.

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