ECOWAS lifts sanctions on Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso: A relief for the people and a boost for regional cooperation

The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, said the lifting of the sanctions was in the interest of unity and security in the West African sub-region

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has lifted the sanctions it imposed on Niger Republic, Mali, and Burkina Faso after the military coups that toppled the governments in these countries. The decision was announced on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at the end of an extraordinary summit of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government in Abuja, Nigeria.

The sanctions, which included the suspension of electricity supply, the closure of borders, and the freezing of financial assets, were meant to pressure the military juntas to restore constitutional order and respect human rights. However, the juntas defied the regional bloc and declared their withdrawal from ECOWAS on January 27, 2024, accusing it of betraying the ideals of its founding fathers and pan-Africanism.

The breakthrough came after the mediation efforts of former Nigerian military leader, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, who visited the three countries and met with the junta leaders and other stakeholders. He persuaded them to accept the ECOWAS roadmap for the transition to civilian rule and to release all political prisoners and detainees.

The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, said the lifting of the sanctions was in the interest of unity and security in the West African sub-region. He also commended Gen. Gowon for his role in resolving the crisis and urged the junta leaders to honour their commitments and ensure a peaceful and credible transition.

The news of the lifting of the sanctions was received with joy and relief by the people of Niger Republic, Mali, and Burkina Faso, who had suffered the economic and social consequences of the sanctions. In Niamey, the capital of Niger Republic, Abdoul Aziz Issoufou told AFP, “We’re very happy that the sanctions have been lifted (…) for us it’s like a day of celebration because everything is going to return to normal.” In Tahoua, in Niger’s south-west, the people celebrated by honking car horns and parading motorbikes and cars.

However, the challenges facing the three countries are not over yet. Economist Hima Garba warned that Niger’s borders remain plagued by violence and jihadist attacks, which threaten the security and stability of the country and the region. He called for more support from ECOWAS and the international community to address the root causes of the conflict and to promote development and good governance.

The Nigerien authorities had not yet commented on the lifting of the sanctions, but they are expected to issue a statement soon.

Meanwhile, the Northern Senators Forum, a group of Nigerian senators from the northern part of the country, also hailed the ECOWAS decision to lift the sanctions on Niger Republic, Mali, and Burkina Faso. The spokesman for the forum, Senator Sumaila Kawu, said, "We are particularly grateful that ECOWAS leaders have considered our pleas to restore electricity, open borders, and lift the sanctions on Niger Republic. These measures will not only have crucial humanitarian implications, but will also foster regional integration, trade, and cooperation. We firmly believe that this step taken by ECOWAS will positively impact the lives of the people of Niger Republic and Nigeria and facilitate the restoration of trust and harmony among all member states.

"As representatives of the people and advocates for justice and democracy, we commend ECOWAS for their responsiveness and understanding of the immense challenges faced by our fellow West African nation.

“The Northern Senators Forum stands in solidarity with ECOWAS in restoring democracy and the rule of law in Niger Republic and other West African countries, and we are committed to working to promote stability, peace, and socio-economic development throughout the region.”

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