The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has decided to remove a number of sanctions imposed on Niger Republic over the unconstitutional take over of government last year.
ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray disclosed this at the end of the Extraordinary session of the Heads of State and Government on Saturday in Abuja.
He said that the decision was based on humanitarian consideration, security of the region and socio-economic impacts of the sanctions on citizens.
”The authority calls for the immediate release of his excellency Mohammed Bazoom, former President of the Republic of Niger, the authority also calls on the transition authorities in Niger to provide an acceptable transition timetable to constitutional order.
”The Authority has resolved to lift with immediate effect the following measures imposed on the Republic of Niger: a closure of land and air borders between ECOWAS countries and Niger is to be lifted.
”No Fly Zone of all commercial flights to and from Niger is to be lifted. Suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS member states and Niger is to be lifted.
”Freezing of all service transactions including utility services is to be lifted. Freezing of assets of the Republic of Niger in ECOWAS central bank is to be lifted. Freezing of assets of Niger and the state’s enterprises and parastatals in commercial banks is to be lifted.
Touray said that Niger has also been exempted from suspension from all financial assistance and transactions as well as travel ban on government officials and their family members.
He said that the decision was based on humanitarian considerations, especially considering the month of Lent and the upcoming holy month of Ramadan.
The Authority, he said, also resolved to lift the sanctions regarding the recruitment of Malian citizens in statutory and professional positions within ECOWAS.
”The Authority has also resolved to lift financial and economic sanctions on the Republic of Guinea and instructed the President of the Commission to invite Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali and Guinea to attend the technical, consultative and security meetings of ECOWAS.
”The authority calls on ECOWAS institutions, member states and other regional institutions to implement this decision.”
On the withdrawal of the three countries, Touray said that the authority urged the countries to reconsider their decision in view of the benefits that the ECOWAS member states and their citizens enjoy in the community.
The authority expressed its concern over the socio economic, political security and humanitarian impacts of the decision, particularly on the citizens of the three countries and on the regional integration process.
”The authority further urges the three member states to resort to dialogue, negotiations and mediation to address their concerns.
”The authority urges the three member states to adhere to the provisions of the 1993 revised treaty relating to withdrawal, particularly Article Nine to one, (and) encourages ECOWAS to sustain its rapprochement and overtures towards the three member states.”
He said that the authority encourages outreach with traditional, religious leaders, eminent personalities, civil society and women leaders for the unity and security of the region.
The authority reiterated the urgent need for ECOWAS to expedite the operationalisation of the standby force to fight against terrorism in the region, including the elements of the Multinational Joint Task Force and the Accra initiative.
In this regard, the authority instructs the commission to convene the meeting of ministers of finance and defence to propose modalities for financing and equipping counterterrorism.
