In response to the January 24 coup that ousted President Roc Kabore, the African Union announced today the suspension of Burkina Faso's membership.

On his official Twitter account, the "Peace and Security Council" of the 15-nation bloc said that it had voted "in favor of suspending Burkina Faso's participation in all activities of the African Union."

The Peace and Security Council stated that the suspension of membership would remain in place "until the constitutional order in the country is effectively restored."

On Monday, Burkina Faso's army said it had ousted President Roque Kabore, suspended the constitution, dissolved the government and parliament and closed the border.

The declaration, signed by Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Henry Sandaugo Damiba and read by another officer on state television, said the takeover had taken place without violence.

The unrest in Burkina Faso follows two military coups, during the past 18 months, in Mali and Guinea.