The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially lifted all commercial and economic sanctions that were previously imposed on Niger. These sanctions were put in place following the removal of Niger’s democratically elected leader, Mohammed Bazoum, in 2023, which prompted a strong response from ECOWAS.
The regional bloc had declared a zero-tolerance policy for unconstitutional changes in government. Last year, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso withdrew from the regional bloc, citing what they considered to be inhumane sanctions.
However, during an extraordinary summit held on February 24 in Abuja, Nigeria, ECOWAS announced the removal of all sanctions on Niger. The announcement also stressed that established protocols for free movement within the bloc would remain unaffected.
Omar Alieu Touray, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, addressed the media at a news conference, explaining that the decision to lift sanctions was made to address existential threats facing the region. He also called on the three junta-led nations – Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, that had left the bloc to reconsider their decision.
Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, who chairs the ECOWAS Heads of State, emphasized the importance of leaders reassessing their approach to constitutional order. He highlighted that the existential threats faced by the sub-region require a reconsideration of strategies.
The decision to lift sanctions on Niger reflects a diplomatic effort by ECOWAS to promote regional stability and unity among member nations.
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