The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has resolved to lift some sanctions on Niger Republic, Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso.
The resolution was taken at the extraordinary summit on the peace, political, and security situation in the ECOWAS sub-region in Abuja on Saturday, February 24.
The decision came after the Nigerian president, Bola Tinubu, called for the suspension of economic sanctions imposed on the countries by ECOWAS.
Speaking at the Summit, President Tinubu, who is the Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the organisation, called for a suspension of economic sanctions and called for the unrestricted flow of foodstuffs, medicines, and other humanitarian items to the countries. He also instructed the prompt resumption of the export of electric power to Niger.
“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,” he said.
The Nigerian president explained that what the organisation seeks is more than the breaking of the diplomatic logjam. “We must use this very moment when things seem tense and progress unavailing, to forge greater cooperation within our community.
Tinubu explained that the sanctions were intended as a persuasive means of ensuring access to democratic governance for the people of the countries and were never meant to be punitive. He, however, noted that the path taken by the regional organisation had become a “stumbling block”.
He insisted 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.”
“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…However, the sanctions that we contemplated might help lead our brothers to the negotiating table have become a harsh stumbling block,” he said.
Tinubu explained that ECOWAS took the steps it did based on the regional ideals of security, social stability; democratic governance, political freedom, broad-based prosperity, and sustainable economic development through fair opportunity for each and every one in West Africa.
He pointed out that “ECOWAS was established for the unassailable objective of improving the lives of the people of this region through fraternal cooperation among all member states
In his call for suspension of sanctions against the four states, Tinubu highlighted the need for consideration of the religious significance of the period, considering the approach of Ramadan and lent, to seek peace and fraternity among all member-states.
It is not certain whether this decision will lead to a reversal of the exit from ECOWAS by Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. However, Tinubu’s call is considered a significant step towards easing political tensions in the region.
Regional political observers say the decision by the three states to exit the regional union dealt a heavy blow to the credibility of ECOWAS. They say the organisation is aware of the seriousness of the situation and is trying to fix it.
Many believe that the question of the future of ECOWAS is vital at this time, and indications that the organisation has lost its influence on events in the region have stirred concerns within its regional political leadership.
