African Union Suspends Niger

Though thousands took to the streets to celebrate the military junta that seized control of Niger, the African Union was less than pleased and suspended the country from its organization. The A.U. demanded the nation return to the constitutional rule it imposed. U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon also condemned the junta’s capture of President Mamadou Tandja. But junta spokesman Col. Abdul Karimou said everything was “under control” as thousands of Nigerians flooded the streets in support of the coup on Friday. The junta leaders are referring to themselves as the Supreme Council for the Restoration of Democracy and say they strive to save Nigerians from “poverty, deception, and corruption.” The military council announced earlier that it would lift Niger’s curfew and re-open its borders. Karimou also said that Tandja was safe and well on Friday, adding, “We are taking care of him… he is one of our elder soldiers.” Despite their suspension, the A.U. chairman said the organization will help Niger “return to constitutional order.”