Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has removed the economic sanctions imposed on Niger Republic, Burkina Faso, Mali and Guinea.
Lifestyle Nigeria reports that the Chairman of ECOWAS and Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, on Saturday, said the decision was based on humanitarian considerations, especially because of the Lenten period and the approaching month of Ramadan.
Tinub spoke at the extraordinary summit of ECOWAS on the political, security, and peace conditions held in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
The regional bloc, however, said the political and targeted sanctions remain.
The West African bloc had in a swift response to the military coup in Niger, enforced a no-flight zone over the country.
The Nigerian government also cut off the power supply to the military-ruled country to persuade the juntas to restore democracy in the country.
Tinubu, according to a statement by his Spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, 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 pursuant to formal regional treaty and protocol.
“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.”
