After ECOWAS, it is now the turn of UEMOA to lift sanctions against Niger
Following its extraordinary summit on February 24th, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) lifted the economic and financial sanctions imposed on Niger following the overthrow of Mohamed Bazoum from power on July 26, 2023, by the CNSP (National Council for the Safeguard of the Republic).
During the summit, the sub-regional organization reportedly requested the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) to also lift its sanctions against Niger.
In its final statement released on Tuesday, February 27th, the Conference of Heads of State of UEMOA stated that it had « agreed to immediately lift » sanctions related to the closure of « land and air borders », the ban on airspace overflights, the suspension of commercial and financial transactions, asset freezes, suspended financial operations, suspended financial assistance, travel bans, and residency bans for government representatives and their families between Niger and UEMOA countries.
However, the leaders of the West African Economic and Monetary Union reiterated their demand for the immediate release of President Mohamed Bazoum, his associates, and a swift return to normal constitutional order.
The former Nigerien president remains in detention, in the hands of the CNSP, which released his son, Saleh Bazoum, and the wife of the ousted president in early January. For now, the Nigerien authorities still refuse to release Mohamed Bazoum, whom they accuse of organized corruption at the highest levels of government.
