African Union suspends Niger until it reinstates pro-West president

The African Union has suspended the membership of Niger until the military regime reinstates pro-Western President Mohamed Bazoum who was toppled on July 26.

The 55-nation African Union bloc said in a statement on Tuesday it has suspended Niger from all of its institutions and activities “until the effective restoration of constitutional order.”

The African Union’s Peace and Security Council called on the bloc to assess the economic, social, and security implications of deploying such force in Niger and report back to the Council.

The African Union also reiterated calls for the coup leaders to immediately release ousted President Bazoum, and return to their barracks.