In a statement issued on August 22, 2023, the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council reacted to the political situation in Niger, following the coup that overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26. The PSC first took note of the decision of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to deploy a standby force in Niger. However, he asked for an assessment of the economic, social and security implications of this deployment.
The PSC also decided to suspend Niger from all AU activities until the effective restoration of constitutional order. This decision shows the condemnation of the African Union vis-à-vis the coup in Niger and its support for the measures taken by ECOWAS.
In its statement, the PSC also underlined its commitment to a diplomatic resolution of the crisis and called for the appointment of a high representative to support ECOWAS mediation efforts. He also expressed his support for the economic sanctions imposed by ECOWAS in Niger. However, he insisted on the need to minimize the disproportionate impact of these sanctions on the population of Niger.
The PSC also requested the AU and ECOWAS to provide a list of junta members in Niger and their supporters, for targeted sanctions and individual punitive measures. He further called on all AU Member States to fully implement the sanctions decided by ECOWAS and to refrain from any action that could lend legitimacy to the illegal regime in Niger.
This statement from the AU PSC shows a strong stance of condemnation of the coup in Niger, while emphasizing the need for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis. It also stresses the importance of finding a balance between the application of economic sanctions and the protection of the populations of Niger