The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has lifted sanctions on Niger, Mali and Guinea, citing humanitarian reasons and the upcoming holy month of Ramadan.
However, the regional bloc still maintains pressure on Niger for the release of former president Mohamed Bazoum and a transition plan to democracy.
The sanctions, which included border closures, flight bans and financial restrictions, were imposed on the three countries following military takeovers in recent years.
However, during an extraordinary summit held in Abuja yesterday, ECOWAS leaders decided to ease the pressure, citing “humanitarian considerations especially as we are in the month of lent and as we prepare for the holy month of Ramadan.”
While the sanctions are lifted, the situation in Niger remains a key concern for ECOWAS.
The leaders called for the immediate release of former president Bazoum and demanded a transition timetable for a return to civilian rule.
The authority resolved to lift with immediate effect the following measures imposed on the Republic of Niger, closure of land and air borders between ECOWAS countries and Niger to be lifted, 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 is to be lifted, freezing of all service transactions including utility services is to be lifted, freezing of assets of Niger in ECOWAS Central banks to be lifted, freezing of assets of Niger and the state enterprises and parastatals in commercial banks is to be lifted, among others.
The ECOWAS leaders also noted the end of Senegal President Mackey Sell’s term of office on April 2, 2024.
They commended him for the tremendous development he has realised as president of Senegal, and for his invaluable leadership in Africa and the world.
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