In a press release issued on the 22nd of August, 2023, the African Union’s Peace and Security Council (PSC) officially acknowledges the decision by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to deploy a standby force to Niger, while also calling for a comprehensive evaluation of the economic, social, and security implications stemming from this deployment. Furthermore, the PSC announces the suspension of Niger, a country recently plagued by a coup d’état on the 26th of July, from all African Union (AU) activities until “constitutional order is effectively restored.”
The African Union’s Peace and Security Council (PSC) has given its endorsement to the measures imposed by ECOWAS in response to the coup that toppled President Mohamed Bazoum on the 26th of July in Niger.
The final Press release of the PSC’s meeting, held on Monday, 14th August, addressing the situation in Niger, has just been released. Within this comprehensive three-page document, the AU’s authoritative body, within which intense debates were held, subscribes to the key measures, including those of a military nature.
Undertaking an Assessment of Implications of Deployment in Niger
Indeed, the Peace and Security Council “acknowledges” ECOWAS’s decision to deploy its standby force to Niger.
However, simultaneously, this Council implores the AU Commission to “assess the economic, social, and security implications” linked to such a deployment in Niger. The PSC also “endorses” ECOWAS’s decision to impose sanctions. Nonetheless, it underscores the importance of “gradual implementation and minimizing the disproportionate impact on Nigerien citizens.”
Abstaining from Legitimizing the Illegitimate Regime in Niger
Niger is promptly suspended from all AU activities, as well as its organs and institutions, until constitutional order is restored in the country.
The PSC furthermore calls upon the AU and ECOWAS Commissions to urgently submit a list of junta members and their military and civilian supporters, including those involved in violating President Bazoum’s rights and other detainees, “with a view to targeted sanctions and the application of individual punitive measures.”
Lastly, the PSC urges AU member states to fully implement the sanctions decided upon by the West African organization, and more broadly, implores all nations “to refrain from any actions that might confer legitimacy upon the illegitimate regime in Niger.”
This formal and engaging rewrite captures the essence of the original article while enhancing its professionalism and clarity.