ECOWAS Ends Economic Sanctions on Niger, Reopens Borders and Flights

ABUJA, Nigeria — The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) announced on Saturday the immediate lifting of economic sanctions against Niger, which were imposed in July 2023 following a coup d’état. The decision came during an extraordinary summit in Abuja, Nigeria, that convened heads of state from the ECOWAS nations.

According to Burkina Information Agency, this move marks a significant shift in the regional body’s stance towards Niger, less than a month after Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger declared their intention to exit ECOWAS. The sanctions, initiated a week after the July 23 coup to press for the reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum, included the closure of land and air borders, the establishment of a no-fly zone over Niger, suspension of commercial and financial transactions, and freezing of Nigerien assets in ECOWAS Central Banks. Also included were asset freezes for state enterprises and a travel ban along with asset freezes for military officials and their families involved in the coup, as well as civilians participating in any institution or government formed by these officials.

The extensive sanctions aimed to isolate Niger economically and financially, demanding the return of democratic governance. ECOWAS also suspended Niger from financial aid and transactions with major financial institutions like the EBID and the BOAD, and called on UEMOA and other regional bodies to enforce these measures.

The lifting of sanctions signals a pivotal moment in the region’s political dynamics, although the implications for Niger’s internal political situation and its relations with ECOWAS remain to be seen.