The African Union (AU) on Tuesday announced the suspension of Niger from its continental membership, in response to last month’s coup.

This decision, revealed during a meeting of the AU’s Peace and Security Council in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, underscores the gravity of the situation in Niger.

The coup, executed on July 26, led to the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum and culminated in his confinement under house arrest by members of his own presidential guard. It has prompted not only the AU’s suspension but also a cessation of aid from numerous Western nations, highlighting the severity of the political upheaval.

Furthermore, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has employed sanctions as a measure of its own and has recently agreed upon a decisive course of action. An imminent military intervention, to be initiated by a regionally assembled strike force, is now on the horizon.

ECOWAS, after exhausting diplomatic avenues, has deemed the use of force as a “last resort.” Interestingly, ECOWAS rejected a proposition from Niger’s military administration on Monday, which suggested a three-year timeline for holding elections.

However, the AU is conducting a comprehensive review of ECOWAS’s tactical blueprint and has issued a plea to its member states and the global community alike. This plea asserts the necessity to refrain from endorsing or legitimizing Niger’s military leadership through any course of action.

The AU’s statement reiterated a staunch stance against any external interference, categorically rebuffing such involvement, including that of private military entities, in the continent’s internal matters.

The suspension of Niger from the AU marks a significant development in the ongoing crisis, signaling the continental body’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and constitutional governance.