Title: The African Union Peace and Security Council approves ECOWAS measures following the coup in Niger
Introduction: In a press release published on August 22, 2023, the Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU) announced that it took note of the decision of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to deploy a standby force in Niger, following the coup that overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26. While supporting the economic measures applied by ECOWAS, the PSC decided to suspend Niger from all AU activities until the restoration of constitutional order. Let’s take a closer look at the implications of this decision.
Development: The press release from the African Union’s Peace and Security Council testifies to the desire to favor a diplomatic approach to the crisis in Niger. Taking note of the ECOWAS decision to deploy a standby force, the PSC calls for an assessment of the economic, social and security implications of this operation. This request reflects the caution of the AU regarding a possible military intervention and emphasizes the need to find a peaceful solution to the situation.
On the economic front, the CPS supports the sanctions imposed by ECOWAS while insisting on their progressive application in order to minimize their impact on the population of Niger. He also calls for the appointment of a high representative responsible for promoting the mediation efforts of ECOWAS. This approach echoes the PSC’s call for a diplomatic solution and mediation, rather than resorting to immediate coercive measures.
The AU Peace and Security Council goes further by asking the AU and ECOWAS Commissions to provide a list of members of the junta in Niger and their supporters, in order to be able to take targeted and punitive measures to against them. This request underlines the will of the AU to condemn those responsible for the coup and to guarantee respect for the rights of the detainees, in particular of the ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
By suspending Niger from all AU activities until constitutional order is restored, the PSC is clearly asserting its position on the legitimacy of the current coup regime. This decision marks a divergence between the AU and ECOWAS, which refuses to recognize the coup and continues to defend the legitimacy of former President Bazoum.
Conclusion: The press release from the African Union Peace and Security Council bears witness to the complexity of the situation in Niger and the differences that exist within the international community as to the measures to be taken. While supporting the economic measures of ECOWAS, the AU favors a diplomatic approach and calls for a thorough assessment of the implications of a military deployment in Niger. Niger’s suspension from all AU activities shows the organization’s clear position on the legitimacy of the current regime. Resolving this crisis will therefore require close cooperation between the AU, ECOWAS and regional actors to achieve a peaceful and constitutional solution