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Nigeriens Welcome Lifting Of ECOWAS Sanctions After 2021 Coup
Eko Hot Blog reports that citizens across Niger welcomed the decision by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to lift some sanctions imposed on the country following last year’s coup.
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ECOWAS suspended Niger from the bloc and enacted tough sanctions in July 2021 after President Mohamed Bazoum was ousted in a military takeover. But on Saturday, the regional body announced it was removing restrictions including border closures, a no-fly zone and asset freezes.
In the capital Niamey, Abdoul Aziz Issoufou said Nigeriens were “very happy” at the news. “For us it’s like a day of celebration because everything is going to return to normal,” he told AFP.
Issoufou expressed hope commodity prices would fall ahead of Ramadan in mid-March, “so that rich and poor alike can find enough to feed their families.”
The lifting of sanctions was met by celebrations in southwestern Tahoua, with honking horns and vehicle parades. However, economist Hima Garba noted Niger’s borders remain plagued by jihadist violence.
The Nigerien authorities had yet to comment on ECOWAS’ decision. Along with Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea, Niger was suspended from the bloc after military takeovers.
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While welcoming the easing of sanctions, Nigeriens hope further action from ECOWAS and the international community can support full restoration of constitutional order and democracy in their country.
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