ECOWAS Suspends Niger, Insists On Civil Rule

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has taken an unprecedented move, suspending Niger’s membership within the regional bloc until the country restores constitutional order. This decisive action emerged from a recent summit of heads of state and government held in Abuja, culminating in a resolution that echoed resolute demands for adherence to constitutional norms within Niger’s governance framework.

Notably, the ECOWAS statement emphasized a crucial shift in perspective, aligning with the Conference of Heads of State and Government’s acknowledgment that the situation within Niger constituted a potential coup attempt. Consequentially, the suspension from ECOWAS’ decision-making forums ensued, starting from December 10, 2023, with the ECOWAS leadership vehemently calling for the reestablishment of constitutional principles in Niger.

During the meeting, ECOWAS leadership made a concerted plea to the military junta, which gained control following a coup on July 26, urging the release of the deposed President, Mohamed Bazoum, in exchange for the lifting of imposed sanctions. Regrettably, the junta leader, Omar Abdourahmane Tchiani, rebuffed this proposal, firmly standing by the decision to retain Bazoum in detention.

In an attempt to resolve the standoff, ECOWAS proposed a compromise: the lifting of sanctions contingent upon Bazoum’s freedom and a reduced duration for the transitional period, which currently spans three years. While Tchiani conceded to the request for a shorter transition period, the precise duration remains undisclosed, maintaining a sense of uncertainty around the country’s political landscape. Furthermore, ECOWAS affirmed the continuation of sanctions against Niger as a consequence of the impasse.