ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) decided to suspend the participation of Niger in all activities of the AU until the effective restoration of constitutional order in the country, as it existed before the referendum of Aug. 4 2009, a statement released to media said on Saturday.

According to the statement, the Peace and Security Council of the AU, at its 216th meeting held on Feb. 19, took note of the briefing made by the Commission on the situation in Niger and condemned the seizure of power by force that took place in Niger on Feb. 18.

The statement stressed that the relevant AU instruments systematically condemn any unconstitutional change of government and demanded the speedy return to constitutional order based on democratic institutions and process.

AU reiterated its appreciation and strong support for the efforts of the West African bloc ECOWAS, particularly through the mediation led by General Abdulsalami Abubakar, aimed at facilitating the early resolution of the crisis in Niger and the democratic functioning of the institutions of the country, with the participation and support of all the political forces, and encouraged it to pursue its action.

According to the statement, AU welcomes the mission that the Commissioner for Peace and Security of the African Union intends to immediately undertake to Niamey, together with the president of the ECOWAS Commission and the special representative of the United Nations secretary-general for West Africa.