What does the suspension of Niger by the African Union (AU) mean for the West African country?

Development Diaries reports that the AU announced the suspension of Niger on Tuesday over the July 26 coup that overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum.

Niger, by virtue of the suspension, will not be allowed to participate in all AU activities, its organs, and institutions until civilian rule in the country is restored.

The suspension comes after several Western countries cut aid to the country.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) also imposed sanctions and has agreed on a ‘D-day’ to begin a military intervention through an already activated regional strike force.

Niger has the youngest and one of the poorest populations in the world, and before the military takeover, one in six people needed humanitarian assistance.

An analysis by the World Food Programme (WFP) showed that in 2023, Niger recorded its second-highest level of severe food insecurity since 2014, with 3.3 million people affected.

No doubt, a military intervention ECOWAS would severely impact the security and economy of the region, as the coup has heightened international worries over the Sahel.

Development Diaries calls on all parties to the crisis to adhere to international humanitarian law and guarantee the protection of civilians.

Photo source: AP