ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) will suspend Niger, a country in west Africa, according to agencies' reports on Friday.

The development came after Chairperson of the AU Commission Jean Ping on Friday condemned the seizure of power by force in Niger.

He said in a statement released to media that the relevant AU instruments systematically condemn any unconstitutional change and, accordingly, he condemns the seizure of power by force that took place in Niger.

He calls for speedy return to constitutional order and affirms the readiness of the AU, in close collaboration with the Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS), to facilitate such a process.

He is in direct contact with the president of ECOWAS Commission as well as with other concerned international actors, the AU chief said.

There had been political tensions in Niger since President Mamadou Tandja dissolved the country's parliament and conducted a referendum to extend his two-term tenure.

The opposition condemned the Aug. 4, 2009 referendum that would allow Tandja, who was scheduled to step down in December 2009 after the expiration of two five-year terms, to stay in power till 2012.