The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has lifted sanctions it imposed on Niger over the unconstitutional takeover of government in that country on July 26, 2023.
This was disclosed by ECOWAS Commission’s chairman, Omar Touray, at the end of the Extraordinary Session of the Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS member countries in Abuja.
In the July 26 2023 coup, which was the ifth successful one in Niger since its independence from France in 1960, President Mohamed Bazoum who was democratically elected was removed and detained by the presidential guard.
Touray said the decision was based on humanitarian considerations, the socio-economic impacts of the sanctions on Nigeriens and the security of the sub-region.
“The Authority calls for the immediate release of former President Bazoum and also calls on the transition authorities in Niger to provide an acceptable transition timetable to constitutional order.
“The Authority has resolved to lift with immediate effect sanctions imposed on Niger and has lifted the closure of land and air borders between it and ECOWAS member countries.
“No-Fly-Zone of all commercial flights to and from Niger is to be lifted. Suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS member states and Niger are to be lifted.
“Freezing of all service transactions including utility services is to be lifted.
“Freezing of assets of Niger in ECOWAS Central Bank is to be lifted. Freezing of assets of Niger and the state’s enterprises and parastatals in commercial banks is to be lifted,’’ he said.
Mr Touray said Niger had also been exempted from suspension of all financial assistance and transactions as well as travel ban placed on its officials and their family members.
He explained that humanitarian considerations on the Lenten period and the upcoming holy month of Ramadan contributed to the lifting of the sanctions.
The Authority, he said, also lifted sanctions regarding the recruitment of Malian citizens in statutory and professional positions within ECOWAS.
“The Authority has also resolved to lift financial and economic sanctions on the Republic of Guinea.
“It instructed the President of the Commission to invite Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali and Guinea to attend the technical, consultative and security meetings of ECOWAS.
“The authority calls on ECOWAS institutions, member states and other regional institutions to implement these decisions,’’ Mr Touray said.
On the withdrawal by Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali from ECOWAS, Mr Touray said the Authority urged the countries to reconsider their decision.
The Malian coup took place on August 18, 2020; that of Burkina Faso was on September 30, 2020, and that of Guinea took place on September 5, 2021.
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.
