The African Union (AU) has joined forces with the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government by announcing its suspension on the Republic of Niger over the military coup in the country.
A communique issued by the Union on 22nd August 2023 revealed that the suspension is in line with the relevant AU instruments, especially, the AU Constitutive Act, the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance.
It said the suspension is with immediate effect adding that Niger will not participate in any of the AU activities and its organs and institutions until they restore their constitutional order.
And urged member states to fully implement the sanctions imposed on the Nigerien military coup that ousted the democratically elected President, Mohammed Bazoum by ECOWAS and endorsed by the PSC.
Thus, calling on the Commission, to regularly update the Council on the progress being made in its consultation even as it calls for the rejection of the unconstitutional change of government across international, bilateral, and multilateral partners while shunning the legitimacy of the illegality of Niger’s military regime.
Upholding the AU Constitutive Act, the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, particularly Article 7 (g) and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance; while reiterating the AU zero tolerance of unconstitutional changes of government, in line with Article 4(p) of the AU Constitutive Act;
Reaffirming the determination to silence the guns in Africa by the year 2030 and creating the conducive conditions for the realization of the AU Vision of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its people and representing a dynamic force in the global arena, as well as AU Agenda 2063;
Acting under Article 7 of its Protocol, the Peace and Security Council,
Reiterates its deep concern over the resurgence of military coups d’état as it undermines democracy, peace, security and stability, as well as development in the Continent;
Also reiterates its unequivocal condemnation of the military coup d’état that took place on 26 July 2023 in Niger, which resulted in the ousting of a democratically elected President, H.E. Mohamed Bazoum, by a faction of military officers;
Welcomes 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;
Takes note of the ECOWAS’ decision to deploy Standby Force and requests the AU Commission to undertake an assessment of the economic, social and security implications of deploying a Standby Force in Niger and report back to Council;
Reaffirms full solidarity with the efforts of ECOWAS in the latter’s continued commitment to the restoration of constitutional order through diplomatic means;
Welcomes the Communique of the Chairperson of the AU Commission released on 10 August 2023 regarding the reported poor condition and detention of President Mohamed Bazoum; in this regard, reiterates its demand for the immediate and unconditional release of H.E. President Mohamed Bazoum and all other detainees, and respect of their human rights, including protection of their physical health and moral integrity;
Endorses paragraph 10 (k) of the Final Communique of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government on the Political Situation in Niger, adopted on 30 July 2023 regarding the imposition of punitive measures; while ensuring its gradual application and minimizing its disproportionate effect on the ordinary people of Niger;
Requests the AU Commission in close cooperation with the ECOWAS Commission 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 AU further commended the ECOWAS and its leadership for their relentless effort to restore constitutional order in Niger.
