Eko Hot Blog reports that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has decided to remove sanctions imposed on Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso in order to maintain unity and security across the region, ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Touray announced Saturday following an extraordinary session in Abuja.
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Dr. Touray stated that ECOWAS considered the upcoming holy period of Lent and Ramadan, as well as appeals from prominent leaders like former Nigerian President Gen. Yakubu Gowon, in making the decision.
He acknowledged the sanctions withdrawal will carry political, social, economic and institutional implications for the three nations and ECOWAS overall. The countries benefited from around $100 million for counterterrorism efforts through ECOWAS’ action plan, and were allocated $7.5 million more for security equipment procurement.
Losing ECOWAS membership may isolate the countries diplomatically and hamper intelligence sharing and participation in regional counterterrorism initiatives like the Accra Initiative and Multinational Joint Task Force, Dr. Touray warned.
Citizens may require visas for regional travel and lose rights to live and work under ECOWAS policies. The countries will also have to stop using ECOWAS passports, ID cards and vehicle insurance.
However, lifting sanctions preserves over $500 million in ECOWAS projects benefitting the countries, including food security, irrigation, electricity and more. Maintaining sanctions risked suspension of these critical development projects collectively valued around $321.6 million.
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While recognizing the decision’s gravity, ECOWAS aims to sustain regional trade and integration through sanctions removal.
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