African Union Suspends Egypt

The sudden change of power in Egypt has obviously not gone down well with the international community. Amid condemnations and calls for the reinstatement of the President Mohammed Mursi-led government, the African Union has suspended Egypt from the Union.

The suspension came after a meeting of the AU’s Peace and Security Council in which the decision to “suspend the participation of Egypt in all AU activities until the restitution of constitutional order.”

It was made known at the end of a meeting of the council in Addis Ababa that “the council reiterates the AU’s condemnation and rejection of any illegal seizure of power. The overthrow of the democratically elected president does not conform to the relevant provisions of Egypt’s constitution, and therefore falls under the definition of an unconstitutional change of government.”

After three days of protests, the Egyptian Army ousted President Mursi on Wednesday.

In spite of the suspension however, Egypt’s Ambassador to the AU, Mohammed Edrees, said “the voice and the call of tens of millions of Egyptians must be heard, understood and respected.”

The government of South Africa announced earlier on Friday that it would evacuate all non-essential staff from its embassy in Cairo. The Federal Government of Nigeria too has called on the coup leaders to effect the immediate reinstatement of President Mohammed Mursi.

Meanwhile at least two pro-protesters were feared dead on Friday afternoon as pro-Mursi protesters called for the reinstatement of the ousted President. A spokesman for the Egyptian military forces has however debunked claims that the army fired at protesters, he said the army fired blanks and tear gas .