ECOWAS lifts all sanctions on 4 member states run by military

ECOWAS has removed travel and economic sanctions placed on Niger following a coup last year. The president of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, made this announcement on Saturday after addressing existential threats to the region and urging three junta-led nations to rescind their decision to leave the bloc. Specifically, travel, commercial and economic sanctions have been lifted on humanitarian grounds, but individual and political sanctions remain in place. The crisis is a critical time for the 49-year-old bloc, as coups and possible disintegration threaten its future.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, current chairman of ECOWAS, urged the junta-led nations to reconsider their decision and called for decisions at the summit to be guided by commitment to upholding the constitutional order, democratic principles, and the wellbeing of citizens. The Sahel and the growing violence from Islamic extremists and rebels is a pressing challenge, and coups have followed a pattern of governments failing to provide security and good governance. Analysts believe the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger from ECOWAS will lead to increased division and opposition to traditional structures in the West African region.

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ECOWAS has lifted travel, commercial, and economic sanctions imposed on Niger in response to a coup staged in the country last year. The decision was announced by the president of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, after a meeting in Abuja, Nigeria. The sanctions on Niger have been lifted on humanitarian grounds to alleviate the suffering caused. However, individual and political sanctions remain in place.

The summit of the 15-nation regional economic bloc in Abuja is taking place amidst challenges facing the organization, including potential disintegration and coups fueled by dissatisfaction with elected governments. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu emphasized the importance of upholding democratic principles and promoting citizens’ wellbeing.

The summit will address the recent departure of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS due to perceived “inhumane sanctions.” Tinubu urged the countries to reconsider their decision and not view the organization as an adversary. The summit will also review the severe sanctions imposed on Niger and discuss the region’s security challenges.

The recent coups in West and Central Africa have highlighted issues of security and governance. The withdrawal of the three countries from ECOWAS reflects a fragmentation of the region and a challenge to established structures. The West African region may face increased division as a result.