The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has lifted the economic sanctions previously imposed on Burkina Faso, Mali, and the Republic of Niger.
This move comes after reports from NN News Media highlighted the devastating impact of these sanctions, including a severe shortage of electricity and medical supplies, leading to the tragic loss of thousands of lives in Niger.
The decision was reached during an extraordinary summit at the State House in Abuja, where the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government engaged in extensive discussions. Dr. Omar Touray, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, announced the immediate suspension of various measures.
Key resolutions include the reopening of land and air borders with Niger, the lifting of the no-fly zone for commercial flights, and the resumption of financial transactions between ECOWAS states and Niger, including those involving the bloc’s central bank. Furthermore, all of Niger’s assets at the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) have been unfrozen.
In addition, ECOWAS has lifted the travel ban on members of the military junta and their families and revoked sanctions on the election of Malian citizens to ECOWAS positions. As a gesture of goodwill, ECOWAS has invited Guinea and other affected countries to participate in future technical consultative meetings.
In an effort to foster unity and cooperation, ECOWAS has urged the withdrawing member states to reconsider their decision, highlighting the benefits of regional integration for their citizens. This development signifies a major step towards promoting peace, stability, and collaboration within the West African region.
