Jump to navigation

Niger

Regional bloc backtracks on economic sanctions

Leaders say the decision to lift restrictions has been made for humanitarian reasons as they urge Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso not to leave the community

The decision by leaders of the 15-nation Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) to lift economic sanctions on Niger's military regime is an embarrassing  admission of defeat by the bloc.

The military regimes of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso announced plans to leave Ecowas in a joint statement in January, and that move has had swift results (Dispatches, 30/1/24, Juntas walk out of Ecowas claiming it's under western control).

In a communique following a meeting of leaders on 24 February, Ecowas stated that the decision to end border closures, trade tariffs and restrictions of business transactions had been taken for humanitarian reasons, adding that the bloc 'further urges the countries to reconsider the decision in view of the benefits that the Ecowas member states and their citizens enjoy in the community.'

The sanctions had already prompted Niger to slash public spending and default on US$500 million of debt repayments, but had resulted in a group of actors, including Russia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates making offers to Niger.

That is another setback for Ecowas, which has been widely criticised for its weak and ineffectual response to the coups in the Sahel. The bloc initially threatened military intervention to restore ousted President Mohamed Bazoum to power in Niger last year, only to backtrack. In the meantime, the European Union and United States refused to engage with the junta and pledged to back Ecowas, only to find themselves facing lost influence in the region when Ecowas did not act.

Ecowas chairman, Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu, said the bloc had had to rethink its strategy and urged Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali and Guinea 'not to perceive our organisation as the enemy'.



Related Articles

DISPATCHES

Juntas walk out of Ecowas claiming it's under western control

Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have united in a symbolic move to reject the economic community after their own suspension from the group following their military coups

The coordinated move by Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso to leave the 15-nation Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) is the latest blow to Ecowas's credibility and...

READ FOR FREE

The withdrawal starts

Mirage jets, Reaper drones and some helicopters, their crews and support teams will likely be among the first French military elements to be withdrawn from Niger following talks...


Competition for Niger's uranium

Niger is the world's third-largest uranium producer, extracting about 3,300 tonnes per year. Prices rose to US$55 per pound in June, up more than 35% since April; nuclear...


Hornet's nest

Algerian troops raided into north-west Niger in late November, with approval and support from the government in Niamey, Africa Confidential has learned.


Explosive uranium

Niger is at the centre of a row over intelligence used to justify the United States' invasion of Iraq and the deepening personal battle between President George W....