Multiple reports out of Niger say The recent border closure by ECOWAS has created multiple crises in Niger Republic. Several sources report that the sanctions have created serious obstacles in the fight against terrorism. This puts both Niger and its neighbours in danger, “because the resources necessary to maintain an effective military presence are now out of reach”, one report explained.
Same sources further report that “areas once under control now risk being seized again by terrorist groups, endangering the lives of many”.
Reports say the financial impact of the sanctions is visible in every sector. They say the military junta is deprived of access to the funds needed to keep the state running well, compromising the payment of salaries, contract fees, and external debt and bills.
There are also reports that border closure has had a knock-on effect on neighbouring economies, seeing considerable dip in Customs revenues due to blockage of imports.
Niger is experiencing a serious squeeze on economic activities. “Food items are becoming scarce and overpriced, threatening to trigger a looming starvation”, some sources report.
One observer says that the closure of borders with Niger has plunged the country “into an abyss with profound and devastating consequences”, and that “it is imperative that solutions be found quickly for a return to constitutional order in order to avoid further darkness in chaos”.
