The African Union is moving closer to the use of armed force to restore democratic order in Niger. The Peace and Security Council of the African Union has affirmed its “full solidarity with ECOWAS for its commitment to the peaceful restoration of constitutional order in Niger.”
The military intervention in Niger is becoming more defined. In a statement, the Peace and Security Council of the African Union “takes note” of the ECOWAS decision to deploy a standby force and calls for an assessment of the economic, social, and security implications of this deployment.
It decides to suspend Niger from all organization activities “until the effective restoration of constitutional order.” It endorses the application of “punitive measures” adopted by ECOWAS “while ensuring its gradual implementation and minimizing its disproportionate impact on the citizens of Niger.”
Shortly after the coup, African Union member countries were divided on how to deal with the Nigerien junta. While Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire [members of ECOWAS] are in favor, this is not the case for Algeria, which fears a “flare-up” in the Sahel in case of military operation. Cape Verde is also opposed. “We must all work for the restoration of constitutional order in Niger, but under no circumstances through a military intervention or armed conflict at this time,” said José Maria Neves, its president.
