The African Union (AU) has suspended Niger from the continental bloc immediately.

The decision comes after a meeting of the AU's Peace and Security Council in Addis Ababa.

The suspension follows a coup in Niger on July 26 that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.

Western countries had previously cut aid to Niger due to the coup.

President Bazoum has been under house arrest since the coup, orchestrated by his own presidential guard.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had also imposed sanctions on Niger.

ECOWAS planned a military intervention through a regional strike force, with force as a last resort after diplomatic channels.

ECOWAS rejected Niger's military government's proposal for elections in three years.

The AU is reviewing ECOWAS's plan of action and warns against legitimizing Niger's military government.

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