The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, on Saturday lifted economic sanctions on Niger, Mali and Burkina-Faso even as President Bola Tinubu gave reasons for towing the path of constructive engagement.
This followed hours-long deliberations by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government at an extraordinary summit on the political, peace and security situation in the region in Abuja.
Specifically, President Tinubu, at the Extra Ordinary Summit made a strong case that ECOWAS facilitate the unfettered flow of foodstuffs, medicines and other humanitarian items to the people of the affected countries, especially to the most vulnerable, adding that for Nigeria, this will also mean the prompt resumption of export of electric power to Niger.
President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, said the regional body has suspended the closure of the land and air border to Niger, a no-fly zone of all commercial flights.
It has also suspended the freezing of all financial transactions between ECOWAS states and Niger, including transactions relating to the bloc’s central bank and the unfreezing of all of Niger’s assets at ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development.
It also lifted the travel ban on members of the military junta and their families.
Touray said the move is “based on humanitarian considerations due to lent and the approaching month of Ramadan.”
The authority also lifted sanctions on the election of Mali citizens to ECOWAS positions.
Earlier, President Tinubu called for the suspension of economic sanctions imposed on Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea by ECOWAS.
Speaking as Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the organization, Tinubu said: “Everything we did was in hopes of persuading our brothers that there existed a better path, a path that would lead to genuine improvement of their people’s welfare through democratic good governance. And this was a path each of our nations had solemnly agreed with one another under formal regional treaties and protocols.
“However, the sanctions that we contemplated might help lead our brothers to the negotiating table have become a harsh stumbling block. In my mind and heart, that which is hurtful yet ineffective serves no good purpose and should be abandoned.
“ECOWAS was established for the unassailable objective of improving the lives of the people of this region through fraternal cooperation among all member states. This edifice was cemented on the strong foundation and apt conviction that, united as one, we can be the true masters of our destiny.”
The President further explained that ECOWAS’ earlier decisions were based on the regional ideals of security, social stability; democratic governance, political freedom, broad-based prosperity, and sustainable economic development through fair opportunity for every one in West Africa.
He said neither hatred nor hidden motive influenced the steps taken and that there was never any intention to douse or undermine the legitimate political aspirations of any member state or to advance the interests of any outside party.
“We must take note of the approach of the holy month of Ramadan and of Lent. Whether you pray in the mosque or in the church, this represents a time for compassion, hope and harmony. It is a time that we must not only seek God but also a closer relationship with brother and neighbors.
“In the Spirit of the holy month and of the Lenten period, and with hearts bestirred by goodwill towards all our people, let us extend a hand as brothers and friends to those in Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.
“What I suggest in real and practical terms is that we, my colleagues and fellow heads of state in ECOWAS, indefinitely suspend economic sanctions against Niger, Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso and against the leadership of the military authorities in those nations,” President Tinubu pleaded.
