Can lifting sanctions against Niger save ECOWAS from crumbling?
The members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) have shown no signs of relenting since announcing their withdrawal from ECOWAS.
This is an important day for West Africa. On Saturday February 24 , Abuja will host another extraordinary summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), marking a crucial moment for the region. The West African leaders will be in Nigeria’s political capital to discuss the political situation in Niger, a Sahelian country that has been in turmoil since the July 2023 coup against
Mohamed Bazoum.
Since the putsch, ECOWAS has imposed economic sanctions on Niamey and suspended it from the regional organisation. Initially, the idea of military intervention to re-establish constitutional order had been considered, but at the summit last December, ECOWAS preferred the path of dialogue. A high-level committee made up of the heads of state of three countries – Benin, Sierra Leone and Togo – was mandated to enter into discussions with the Conseil national pour la sauvegarde de la patrie (CNSP), led by General Abdourahamane Tiani.
ECOWAS has made the easing of sanctions against Niger conditional on a reasonable transition period and the release of President Bazoum. To date, these conditions have not been met. Despite the release of Saleh
Bazoum, the son of the deposed president, obtained on humanitarian grounds last January, the talks have stagnated.
The situation took an unexpected turn when Mali, Niger and Niger announced their immediate withdrawal from ECOWAS, citing the influence of foreign powers in the decisions of the regional organisation. This move took ECOWAS by surprise, and the organisation declared itself ready to find a negotiated solution, but the three countries maintained their decision.
Faced with this impasse, ECOWAS has called an extraordinary summit for 24 February, at which it is expected to lift the economic sanctions against Niger. However, the crucial question remains: will this lifting of sanctions be enough to make the countries of the Alliance of Sahel States relent?
In an address to West African leaders and deserting countries, former Nigerian President Yakuba Gowon, the last living founding father of ECOWAS, makes a poignant appeal to save the institution. “Neither my generation, nor current or future generations will understand or forgive the breaking up our Community,” he warns.
AC/fss/abj/APA