Would you like to receive notifications on latest updates of the following headlines?

Why Ecowas Lifted Niger, Mali And Burkina Faso Sanctions

POSTED ON March 1, 2024 •   Burkina Faso      BY Samuel O . Adeniyi •   VIEWS 244

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) lifted the sanctions on Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali.

ECOWAS in a meeting on Saturday, led by President Bola Tinubu lifted economic, travel, and commercial.

These sanctions were imposed in January 2022 in response to military coups that ousted their democratically elected leaders.

The sanctions were aimed to pressure the juntas to return to civilian rule.

While the lifting of sanctions signals progress, questions remain about the effectiveness of the approach.

The sanctions lifting comes after a former Nigeria Military Leader, Yakubu Gowon appealed to the body.

Recall that the three nations announced their exit from ECOWAS following the sanctions imposed on them.

The West Africa's junta leaders faulted the sanctions, adding that the coup was necessary.

They accused their leaders of corruption, amongst other allegations.

The Trigger: Military Coups and the ECOWAS Response

In 2022, each of the three aforementioned countries witnessed a military coup. In Niger, the democratically elected president Mohamed Bazoum was overthrown in a January coup led by Colonel Mohamed Bako.

Similarly, in Burkina Faso, a military junta led by Lieutenant Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba seized power in January.

Mali experienced its second military coup in May 2021. Colonel Assimi Goïta consolidated his power and further delayed the promised return to civilian rule.

Concerned about the erosion of democratic norms in the region, ECOWAS imposed sanctions on the junta leaders and their associates.

These sanctions included travel bans, asset freezes, and the suspension of financial assistance.

They were aimed at isolating the juntas and pressuring them to negotiate a peaceful transition back to democracy.

The Lifting of Sanctions: A Sign of Progress or a Calculated Risk?

After months of negotiations and perceived progress in the transition plans, ECOWAS announced the lifting of sanctions on February 24th, 2024.

The decision was primarily based on the following factors:

  • Niger: The junta agreed to hold elections by the end of 2024.
  • Burkina Faso: The junta published a roadmap for a transition to civilian rule by 2025.
  • Mali: The junta agreed to a revised electoral timetable, with elections scheduled for February 2024.

While the lifting of sanctions represents a potential step forward in the restoration of democracy, concerns remain:

  • Lack of Concrete Progress: The proposed timelines for elections in each country are ambitious, and concrete steps towards achieving them are still lacking.
  • Human Rights Abuses: All three countries continue to face allegations of human rights abuses under the junta rule, raising questions about the sustainability of any transition process.
  • Civil Society Concerns: Many civil society groups in the affected countries express concerns that the lifting of sanctions could embolden the juntas and weaken their bargaining power in negotiations.

The Road Ahead: Uncertainties and Potential Implications

The lifting of sanctions does not signify the end of the story. The success of this decision hinges on the following factors:

  • Good Faith of the Juntas: Whether the juntas genuinely adhere to their promises of holding elections and respecting democratic norms will be crucial.
  • International Monitoring: Continued international pressure and monitoring are essential to ensure the transition process remains on track.
  • Engagement with Civil Society: Including civil society groups in the dialogue and ensuring their voices are heard will be vital for a legitimate and inclusive transition.

Only time will tell whether the lifting of sanctions will catalyze a genuine democratic transition in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali.

The situation remains fluid, and continued vigilance from the international community and civil society is crucial to ensure a successful and sustainable return to democratic rule in these troubled nations.

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
Refusal of B/Faso, Mali, Niger to return to bloc worrisome —ECOWAS Parliament
BY Benedicta Bassey September 26, 2024 0

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament on Thursday expressed concern over...

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
Burkina Faso launches new passport without ECOWAS logo
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara September 5, 2024 0

Burkina Faso has introduced a new biometric passport without the logo of the Economic Community of W...

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
ECOWAS Defence Chiefs Call For Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali Return
BY Benedicta Bassey August 11, 2024 0

The Chiefs of Defence Staff in West Africa have called for the return of Mali, Niger and Burkina Fas...

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
Burkina Faso Suspends BBC, VOA for Undermining Military Information
BY Benedicta Bassey April 26, 2024 0

  Burkina Faso has suspended the BBC and Voice of America radio networks from broadcasting for...

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
Why Ecowas Lifted Niger, Mali And Burkina Faso Sanctions
BY Samuel O . Adeniyi March 1, 2024 0

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) lifted the sanctions on Niger, Burkina Faso,...

OUR CHANNELS:

OTHER ARTICLES ::

6th November, 2024
Economic Showdown: Atiku's Critique vs. Tinubu's Policies A Leadership Divide
BY ROCKETPARROT.com staff November 5, 2024 0

In a recent exchange highlighting the growing tensions in Nigeria's political landscape, former Vice...


Indianapolis Woman Dies in I-65 Accident Near Columbus After Return from Kentucky Event
BY ROCKETPARROT.com staff November 5, 2024 0

COLUMBUS, Ind. — A tragic accident claimed the life of Indianapolis resident Omotope G. Oyedir...


Adriano's Decline: From Football Glory to Favela Streets
BY ROCKETPARROT.com staff November 5, 2024 0

Health concerns arise as a recent video surfaces showing Adriano, the former Inter Milan and Brazil...


Proposed tax reform bills not against North, says Presidency
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara November 5, 2024 0

The Presidency has said contrary to job loss fears and perceived marginalisation of the North, the t...


Kaduna approves N72,000 minimum wage
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara November 5, 2024 0

The Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has approved a new minimum wage of N72,000 for civil servants i...


Man Utd seal deal with Amorim as new manager — Report
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara November 5, 2024 0

Manchester United has finalised an agreement with Sporting Lisbon to appoint 39-year-old Ruben Amori...


Nile Group collaborates with Ooni of Ife to manage his theaters
BY Ebiakuboere England November 5, 2024 0

His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, and Nile Cinemas have inked a historic management contract fo...


Bruno Mars tops Spotify monthly listeners record
BY Ebiakuboere England November 5, 2024 0

Grammy-winning singer Bruno Mars has broken the previous record with 120,862,858 monthly Spotify lis...


South Africa to strip Chidimma Adetshina of ID documents
BY Ebiakuboere England November 5, 2024 0

Nigerian-South African Model Chidimma Adetshina faces the possibility of losing her national documen...


Senate confirms seven ministerial nominees
BY Benedicta Bassey November 5, 2024 0

The Senate has screened and confirmed seven ministerial nominees appointed by President Bola Ahmed T...


Menu