African Union Peace and Security Council (AU-PSC) moved to suspend Niger from its participation in the continental body on Tuesday, declaring that Niger must fully reestablish constitutional order before any return to AU activities. The decision follows a coup led by Niger’s current commander, General Abdourahmane Tchiani. The AU-PSC made clear that the suspension reflects a firm stance against unconstitutional changes of government and is meant to preserve stability, governance, and regional security across Africa. This measure signals a broader commitment within the AU to uphold democratic legitimacy and to encourage a clear path back to civilian rule, aligning with the expectations of the AU member states and international partners.
In the accompanying statement issued this Tuesday, the council reiterated its strong condemnation of the military takeover in Niger. It also acknowledged the decision taken by the People’s Republic of China regarding the evolving regional situation and the West African bloc ECOWAS, which has signaled willingness to deploy a military option should it be necessary. The AU-PSC emphasized that any intervention must be approached with care, ensuring regional security while prioritizing diplomacy and peaceful restoration of constitutional governance.
The Council asked ECOWAS to conduct a thorough assessment of the economic, social, and security implications tied to the deployment of its reserve forces in Niger. This step is meant to inform careful, evidence-based decision-making and to minimize unintended consequences for Niger’s citizens and neighboring states. The AU-PSC also affirmed its full solidarity with ECOWAS’s efforts to restore constitutional order through diplomatic channels, fostering dialogue and strong political pressure rather than coercive measures alone.
Furthermore, the Organization called on all AU member states, along with the international community and bilateral as well as multilateral partners, to reject any attempt to legitimize the coup and to avoid actions that could be interpreted as recognizing an illegal regime. The message was clear: constitutional legitimacy must be restored, and international partners should refrain from recognizing or supporting a government that did not come to power through proper constitutional processes.
The Council demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, together with all other detainees. It stressed that their rights must be respected, including rights to health, safety, and personal dignity, and it called for humanitarian considerations to be safeguarded in all circumstances. The appeals to safeguard human rights reflect the AU-PSC’s broader commitment to civilian protection and due process during periods of political upheaval.
Finally, the AU-PSC instructed the AU Commission to cooperate with ECOWAS in compiling a comprehensive list of individuals associated with the junta and those responsible for violations of Bazoum’s rights and other detainees. The aim is to implement targeted, individual sanctions that can deter further unlawful actions while avoiding broad, indiscriminate penalties. This approach seeks to preserve regional stability by applying precise measures against those directly implicated in undermining constitutional order and human rights abuses, while leaving room for dialogue and potential accountability measures in the future. These steps are framed within a collective effort to reinforce democratic norms and to support Niger’s return to civilian-led governance, in line with regional and international legal standards and expectations.