On Saturday in Abuja, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) lifted the sanctions previously imposed on Niger following the unconstitutional government takeover on July 26, 2023.
This military coup in July 2023 marked the fifth successful one in Niger since gaining independence from France in 1960. During this coup, Niger’s presidential guard forcibly removed and detained the democratically-elected President Mohamed Bazoum.
Omar Touray, Chairman of the ECOWAS Commission, announced the lifting of the sanctions after the Extraordinary Session of the Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS member countries. The decision was made considering humanitarian concerns, the socio-economic impacts of the sanctions on Nigeriens, and the security of the sub-
“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.”
Touray also noted that Niger would no longer be subject to the suspension of financial assistance and transactions, nor the travel ban on its officials and their families. He mentioned that the humanitarian considerations for the Lenten period and the upcoming holy month of Ramadan influenced the decision to lift the sanctions.
The Authority also lifted sanctions related to the recruitment of Malian citizens for statutory and professional positions within ECOWAS.
Regarding the withdrawals of Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali from ECOWAS, Touray stated that the Authority urged these countries to reconsider their decisions. This appeal was made considering the benefits that ECOWAS member states and their citizens derive from the community.
The Authority expressed concern over the socio-economic, political, security, and humanitarian impacts of these withdrawals, particularly on the citizens of the three countries and the regional integration process.
Touray added that the Authority supported engagement with traditional and religious leaders, eminent personalities, civil society, and women leaders to promote unity and security in the region.
The Authority reiterated the urgent need for ECOWAS to expedite the operations of its standby force to combat terrorism in the sub-region. This includes elements of the Multinational Joint Task Force and the Accra initiative. To this end, the Authority instructed the commission to convene a meeting of finance and defense ministers to propose modalities for financing and equipping counterterrorism efforts.