African Union suspends Niger after coup, presses for prompt return to constitutional order

ECOWAS has rejected the junta's proposed three-year transition and is demanding immediate restoration of the ousted president.
The AU has suspended Niger from all activities until constitutional order is restored.
The junta has banned weapon imports amid invasion concerns, especially from France.
ECOWAS is preparing a standby force for potential military intervention if diplomacy fails.
Border closures and sanctions are impacting Nigerien citizens and regional trade.