The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially suspended Niger's membership within the regional bloc.

This decision comes in response to the ruling military junta's refusal to reinstate the ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, who was removed in a military coup in July.

In a statement released on Thursday, ECOWAS acknowledged that Bazoum's government had been "effectively overthrown in a military coup" during a recent summit of its leaders in Nigeria.

As a consequence, ECOWAS has suspended Niger from its decision-making bodies until "constitutional order is restored in the country."

Initially perceived as an attempted coup, the delayed suspension was attributed to the evolving situation in Niger. ECOWAS had earlier imposed sanctions and even contemplated military intervention following the coup.