In a bid to maintain regional unity and security, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced the lifting of sanctions on Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
The decision was reached during an extraordinary session of the Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS held in Abuja on Saturday, as confirmed by President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Touray.
Dr. Touray explained that the decision to lift the sanctions took into consideration various factors, including the upcoming period of Lent and Ramadan and the impact on citizens. Additionally, appeals from prominent leaders, such as retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon, were also taken into account.
Highlighting the broader implications of the withdrawal of sanctions, Dr. Touray outlined the significant political, social, economic, financial, and institutional consequences for the affected countries as well as for the region as a whole.
“The authority takes note that the withdrawal will have political, social, socio-economic, financial, and institutional implications for the three countries as well as for ECOWAS as a region.”
“The authority recalls that within the framework of regional cooperation against terrorism, violent extremism and organised crime, the three countries benefited from about 100 million US dollars mobilized by UMR within the context of the ECOWAS plan of action against terrorism.”
“Moreover, some funds allocation, about 7.5 million US dollars is being made towards supporting the three countries in acquiring the equipment to help their fight against terrorism.”
“The withdrawal will affect security cooperation in terms of sharing intelligence and participation in regional counterterrorism initiatives.”
“Such as the Accra initiative and the Multinational Joint Task Force,” he said.
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