ECOWAS: Why we lifted sanctions on Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has disclosed the reasons for suspending the economic and travel sanctions on Niger Republic, Mali, and Burkina Faso.

The Star had reported that ECOWAS, on Saturday, February 24, 2024, lifted the sanctions on Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso over coups in the three West African countries.

Speaking at the end of the extraordinary session of the Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS in Abuja on Saturday, the President of ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, said the decision to lift sanctions on the countries was based on the need to maintain regional unity and security

Touray said the authority took note of the period of Lent and the approaching month of Ramadan and the impact on citizens, adding that pleas were also received from prominent leaders, including Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon.

He said: “The authority takes note that the withdrawal will have political, social, socio-economic, financial and institutional implications for the three countries as well as for ECOWAS as a region.

ECOWAS lifts sanctions on Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali

“The authority recalls that within the framework of regional cooperation against terrorism, violent extremism and organised crime, the three countries benefited from about 100 million US dollars mobilised by UMR within the context of ECOWAS plan of action against terrorism.

“Moreover, some funds allocation, about $7.5 million is being made towards supporting the three countries in acquiring the equipment to help their fight against terrorism.

“The withdrawal will affect security cooperation in terms of sharing intelligence and participation in regional counterterrorism initiatives.

“Such as the Accra initiative and the Multinational Joint Task Force.”

Touray added that the withdrawal of the countries from the sub-regional bloc would lead to diplomatic and political isolation on the international scene where the countries have obtained support for their candidates in the contest for international positions.

The Star