00:00 The Council of Peace and Security of the African Union (UA) has taken a historic decision
00:13 by formally prohibiting any military intervention in Niger, coming from a nation outside the
00:18 African continent.
00:19 This measure aims to put pressure on the external powers on the continent, including France
00:24 and international organizations.
00:26 The UA affirms its total rejection of any external interference in African affairs and condemns
00:32 the involvement of private military companies on the continent.
00:34 In a statement made public on August 22, the Council of Peace and Security of the UA
00:40 called on all member states of the UA and the international community to reject the
00:44 unconstitutional change of government in Niger.
00:47 It also asked its actors to abstain from any action likely to confer
00:52 legitimacy to the illegal regime in place.
00:54 This firm position aims to isolate the regime from the coup d'état and to prevent any
00:59 international recognition of it.
01:02 At the meeting on August 14, 2023, the Council of Peace and Security of the UA exhorted Nigerian
01:08 military to return immediately to the barracks and submit to civil authorities
01:12 in accordance with the constitution of the country.
01:15 This request emphasizes the importance of placing the supreme interests of Niger and
01:19 its people above all.
01:20 Niger's suspension places it in the same category as other countries in transition
01:25 such as Burkina Faso, Mali and Guinea.
01:28 The UA's Council of Peace and Security has decided to suspend it immediately from all
01:33 activities of the African Union until the establishment of the constitutional order.
01:37 This decision underlines the UA's commitment in favor of a peaceful settlement of the situation.
01:42 The UA insists on the rejection of any external interference in peace and security issues
01:47 in Africa.
01:48 It firmly condemns the involvement of countries or external actors on the continent in these
01:53 affairs.
01:54 In addition, the UA is opposed to the decision of the Economic Community of the States of
01:58 West Africa (CDAO) to deploy its force in the wait for Niger.
02:03 By suspending Niger from its activities, the African Union sends a clear message to the
02:08 military and the regime from the coup d'état.
02:10 The goal is to put the pressure necessary for a return to the constitutional order and
02:14 to stability in the country.
02:16 The UA is also putting pressure on the CDAO to compile a list of members of the military
02:20 junta and their support, in order to take targeted punitive measures.
02:24 The situation in Niger remains tense, and the international community, including the UA,
02:30 is determined to restore democracy and peace in the country.
02:43 (air whooshing)
