The African Union (AU) has taken the decision to suspend Niger Republic from all of its activities in the wake of the military coup that took place on July 26. The AU’s statement, released on Tuesday, reiterated the call for the release of the elected President Mohamed Bazoum and for the coup leaders to return to their barracks.
The AU Peace and Security Council has acknowledged the activation of a standby force by the West African bloc ECOWAS for possible military intervention in Niger. The AU Commission has been tasked with assessing the potential economic, social, and security implications of deploying such a force.
In response to the coup, ECOWAS, the Economic Community of West African States, has expressed its preparedness to send troops to Niger if diplomatic efforts to restore democracy fail. However, ECOWAS has rejected the three-year transition plan proposed by Niger’s military ruler General Abdourahamane Tchiani.
The AU’s suspension of Niger Republic aims to prevent any action that could legitimize the junta and strongly rejects any interference from external actors. The situation in Niger has triggered mixed reactions, with hundreds of Nigerians taking to the streets to support the military regime, while others call for diplomatic solutions to the political crisis.
Protests against the coup have been met with restrictions, while pro-coup rallies have been permitted. Negotiations between ECOWAS and the junta have made limited progress, with divisions among the presidential guard raising concerns about potential conflict. Pope Francis has also advocated for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis.
Amid ongoing unrest, protesters have called for a halt to military intervention and sanctions imposed by ECOWAS. The military ruler of Niger warned that any intervention would not be an easy endeavor. ECOWAS has sent a delegation to Niger to attempt a peaceful resolution of the standoff.
The situation remains fluid, with the political crisis in Niger prompting responses from regional and international bodies, while internal divisions and public sentiment continue to shape the landscape of events.
