Nigeriens and members of the Northern Senators Forum have welcomed the decision by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to lift some of the sanctions imposed on Niger Republic following last year’s military coup.
The sanctions, including a no-fly zone, border closures, and asset freezes, were imposed in July after Niger’s president, Mohamed Bazoum, was ousted in a military takeover. However, with Bazoum still detained in the presidential palace in Niamey, there has been little progress towards restoring civilian rule.
In response to ECOWAS’s announcement on Saturday, Nigeriens expressed relief and optimism for a return to normalcy. Abdoul Aziz Issoufou in Niamey described the lifting of sanctions as a cause for celebration, hoping for a drop in commodity prices ahead of the upcoming Ramadan season to alleviate the hardships faced by many.
Meanwhile, the Northern Senators Forum commended ECOWAS for its commitment to regional solidarity and respect for human rights. In a statement, they lauded the lifting of sanctions as a step towards restoring stability and economic prosperity in the region. Senator Suleiman Kawu Sumaila, the forum’s spokesperson, emphasized their support for democratic governance and urged Niger’s authorities to expedite the transition back to civilian rule.
Legal expert Justice Osai Ahiakwo praised ECOWAS and General Yakubu Gowon for their diplomatic intervention, noting that it demonstrated empathy for the people of Niger and aimed to prevent further destabilization.
While the Nigerien authorities have yet to comment on the sanctions’ lifting, the move signifies a positive development in efforts to address political instability in the region. Alongside Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea, Niger had been suspended from ECOWAS following the series of coups.
