Republic of Niger suspended from all activities of AU

Addis Ababa, August 22, 2023 (FBC) – The Peace and Security Council of the African Union reiterated its deep concern over the resurgence of military coups d’état and unequivocally condemned the military coup d’état that took place on 26 July 2023 in Niger.

Council welcomed the Final Communique of the Extraordinary Summit of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government on the Political Situation in Niger, adopted on 30 July 2023, and the ECOWAS Final Communique of the 2nd Extraordinary Summit on the Political Situation in Niger, adopted on 10 August 2023.

In line with the relevant AU instruments, Council decided to immediately suspend the participation of the Republic of Niger from all activities of the AU and its Organs and institutions until the effective restoration of constitutional order in the country.

Council called upon all Member States of the AU and the international community including bilateral and multilateral partners, at large to reject this unconstitutional change of government and to refrain from any action likely to grant legitimacy to the illegal regime in Niger.

The AU Commission in close cooperation with the ECOWAS Commission was requested to urgently compile and submit the list of members of the military junta and their military and civilian supporters of the coup d’état in Niger, including those involved in the violation of fundamental human rights of President Bazoum and other detainees for targeted sanctions, and the application of individual punitive measures.

The Council further 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.