ECOWAS, the Economic Community of West African States, has removed all commercial and economic penalties enforced against the Republic of Niger.
Last year, the nation ousted its democratically elected leader, Mohammed Bazoum, prompting a severe reaction from ECOWAS, which had declared absolute intolerance for unconstitutional governmental changes.
Niger, alongside Mali and Burkina Faso, declared its intention to depart from the regional alliance due to perceived unjust sanctions.
During an extraordinary summit held today, February 24, in Abuja, Nigeria, ECOWAS announced the cessation of all sanctions against Niger while emphasizing the importance of upholding established protocols facilitating free movement within the bloc.
WACTCH: LIFTING OF SANCTIONS ON NIGER BY THE ECOWAS
Addressing reporters at a press briefing, Omar Alieu Touray, the President of the ECOWAS commission, clarified that the decision aims to confront existential threats confronting the region and urged the three junta-led nations that exited the alliance to reconsider their withdrawal.
Meanwhile, Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s President and the chairperson of the ECOWAS heads of state, underscored the imperative for leaders to reassess their approach to constitutional order in light of the existential challenges facing the subregion.
