ECOWAS lifts sanctions imposed on junta-led Niger

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has rescinded all commercial and economic sanctions imposed on the Republic of Niger.

Last year, the nation removed its democratically elected leader, Mohammed Bazoum, prompting a severe reaction from ECOWAS, which had pledged zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes in government.

Niger, alongside Mali and Burkina Faso, had previously declared their intention to withdraw from the regional bloc due to what they deemed as unjust sanctions.

However, during an extraordinary summit held in Abuja, Nigeria, ECOWAS declared the lifting of all sanctions against Niger. It emphasized its expectation that the established protocols for free movement within the bloc would remain unaltered.

In his opening remarks at the summit’s commencement, Bola Tinubu, the chairman of ECOWAS and President of Nigeria, emphasized the need for a reassessment of the bloc’s approach toward restoring constitutional order in four member states.

These include the three suspended nations and Guinea, which is currently under military leadership.

Tinubu urged Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso to reconsider their decisions and encouraged them not to view the organization as adversarial.

Additionally, ECOWAS announced the lifting of specific sanctions imposed on individuals in Mali and on the junta-led government of Guinea.

While Guinea has not expressed a desire to exit the bloc, it also has not committed to a timeline for the restoration of democratic governance.