The Economic Community of West African States ECOWAS announced the removal of all sanctions that had been placed on Niger. The information was reported by Reuters and confirmed by regional officials who attended the emergency gathering in Abuja the Nigerian capital. The move marks a significant shift in the group’s approach to Niger following months of tension after the coup in mid 2023 and the subsequent political and diplomatic standoff.
Earlier, ECOWAS had imposed a mix of political, economic and trade measures against Niger after a faction of the Presidential Guard seized power in late July 2023 and toppled President Mohamed Bazoum. Those sanctions included restrictions on movement, suspension of certain financial dealings and broader pressure on Nigerien institutions as the regional bloc sought a return to constitutional order. The decision to lift these measures came after a series of diplomatic exchanges and a reassessment of Niger’s governance situation by member states.
In a related development, ECOWAS accepted a formal notification from Niger authorities indicating the country would withdraw from the organization from a stated date. The withdrawal from ECOWAS structures, including the collaboration mechanisms within the Sahel Five framework, was discussed as part of broader regional realignments that have been shaping security and political arrangements in West Africa.
Meanwhile, regional developments continued to unfold as Burkina Faso joined Niger in signaling a step back from certain regional bodies and joint security arrangements. The shifts reflect evolving partnerships and the pursuit of new regional strategies that could influence governance and security across the Sahel corridor. The federation of states in this zone has seen frequent transitions and recalibrations as governments navigate security concerns, economic needs and public expectations for stability.
On the international front, European leaders have weighed in on the evolving situation. A senior official highlighted concerns about external influence and the role of external powers in Africa, emphasizing the ongoing dialogue about how regional stability can be supported without external interference. The public discourse underscores the complexity of balancing internal political changes with regional cooperation and global geopolitical dynamics. (Reuters)