African Union Suspends Republic Of Niger Over Coup And Makes Strong Demand

• The Republic of Niger has been suspended as a member of the African Union (AU) with immediate effect
• The AU announced this development on Tuesday, August 22, at the AU’s Peace and Security Council meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
• Meanwhile, the AU has warned Western countries looking to interfere in the continent’s affairs to keep off

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - The African Union has suspended the Republic of Niger over the Wednesday, July 26 coup led by Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani.

According to Aljazeera, the suspension is one of the many sanctions against the francophone West African nation.

It was gathered that the decision to suspend Niger was finalised on Tuesday, August 22, at the AU’s Peace and Security Council meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Since the military overthrow, President Mohamed Bazoum has been in captivity under the watch of the juntas in Niger, who have refused to release him or his family.

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"It will not happen": Prof Aning predicts ECOWAS forces won't invade Niger

This development forced the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to issue sanctions against Niger and agree on a deadline to launch a military intervention by the standby forces of the sub-regional body.

ECOWAS commits to military invasion of Niger

Meanwhile, the ECOWAS military chiefs have clarified that they are ready to take orders if all means of dialogue and negotiations have been exhausted.

On the other hand, the military junta proposed a three-year power transition which ECOWAS vehemently rejected.

Meanwhile, AU stated that there is an ongoing review of the plan of ECOWAS to invade Niger with its standby forces.

AU’s resolution states:

“We are studying the ECOWAS decision to prepare forces for deployment in Niger, and the African Commission will evaluate its repercussions.”

Also, AU clarified that interference from external forces and private companies in the continent's affairs would not be tolerated.

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Niger coup: Kubolor begs Ghanaian soldiers not to fight their fellow Africans

The AU statement reads:

“We strongly reject any external interference by any party or country in the affairs of the continent, including private military companies.”

Prof Aning declares ECOWAS military intervention will not happen

YEN.com.gh reported in an earlier story that Professor Kwesi Aning has said he is convinced that the planned invasion of Niger by ECOWAS forces will not happen.

The Faculty of Academic Affairs and Research Director at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre said ECOWAS is merely saving face.

He said on Newsfile on Saturday that ECOWAS heads of state declared the plan to invade hastily and their defence chiefs are merely playing to the gallery.

Source: Legit.ng