AU suspends Niger until restoration of civilian rule

The African Union (AU) has announced the suspension of Niger Republic from all its activities until power is relinquished to ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.

Bazoum was deposed in a military coup on July 26 and has remained in custody.

According to Reuters, AU announced the suspension in a statement released on Tuesday, while reiterating calls for the military junta to release Bazoum and return to the barracks.

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The AU also called on its member states and the international community to refrain from any action that could legitimize the junta.

The union also said it strongly rejects any interference from any actor or country outside of Africa.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had announced the deployment of a standby force in a bid to restore constitutional democracy to Niger.

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ECOWAS has also deployed emissaries to Niger Republic and has opened diplomatic channels while maintaining that the use of force remains a last option.

Headquartered in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital city, the AU is made up of all 55 countries on the African continent.