ECOWAS lifts some sanctions on Niger, Mali, Guinea

In response to calls for it to soften its hard stance on Niger, Mali, and Guinea for the unconstitutional changes of government in those countries, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has decided to lift some of the sanctions it imposed on them.

President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, made this known following an Extraordinary Summit of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the regional body.

While presenting the communique issued at the end of the summit, Dr. Touray clarified that political and targeted sanctions would remain in force against the affected countries. The decision to lift some sanctions comes amidst ongoing tensions and diplomatic maneuvers following the withdrawal of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso from the ECOWAS organization.

ECOWAS initially imposed a series of sanctions on the military junta in Niger in July 2023, in response to the hijacking of the government and the incarceration of President Mohammed Bazoum. Similarly, Mali and Burkina Faso faced sanctions before the political developments in Niger.

However, on January 28, 2024, the three countries announced their withdrawal from ECOWAS, citing concerns over foreign influence and the establishment of the Alliance of Sahel States as a counter-regional organization.

Meanwhile, Guinea, which has been under military rule since September 2021, witnessed a recent political upheaval when its Military Ruler, Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, dissolved his cabinet and ordered the closure of borders.

Dr. Touray outlined the specific sanctions being lifted on Niger, including the reopening of land and air borders with ECOWAS countries, the lifting of flight restrictions, and the resumption of commercial and financial transactions. Similar measures were also eased for Guinea, while targeted sanctions on Mali were partially lifted.

In addition to humanitarian considerations, Dr. Touray emphasized the importance of the upcoming religious observances of Lent and Ramadan in guiding the decision-making process.

Furthermore, the Authority of ECOWAS called for the immediate release of former President Mohammed Bazoum of Niger and urged the transition authorities in Niger to establish an acceptable transition timetable.

Despite the partial lifting of sanctions, Dr. Touray underscored that political and individual sanctions against the affected countries remain in place. He emphasized that the decision aims to balance humanitarian concerns with the need to maintain pressure for a return to constitutional order in the region.

Additionally, Dr. Touray highlighted the significant implications of the countries’ withdrawal from ECOWAS, including economic, security, and developmental setbacks for both the nations and the region. He expressed concerns over the potential loss of jobs and the suspension of regional projects and programs valued at millions of dollars.