ECOWAS Parliament Demands Release of Detained Niger President Bazoum for Sanctions Review
The Speaker of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament, Dr Sidie Mohamed Tunis, has underscored that the release of detained President Mohamed Bazoum by coup leaders in Niger Republic is a pivotal condition for initiating talks about lifting sanctions imposed on the country by the regional bloc.
This assertion came during a meeting between Dr Tunis and a 19-member delegation from the Africa Without Borders organization at the recently concluded Second Ordinary Session of the Parliament 2023.
The delegation appealed for the easing of sanctions imposed on Niger post the July 26 coup that deposed the democratically elected government.
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Dr Tunis emphasized that Bazoum’s release would serve as a significant gesture of goodwill, facilitating more fruitful engagement with ECOWAS and paving the way for considering the removal of sanctions.
Expressing concerns about the citizens affected by the sanctions, the Speaker highlighted the ECOWAS Parliament’s unwavering support for the people of Niger, underlining the need for the junta to prioritize the well-being of ordinary citizens.
The president of Africa Without Borders, Lirwana Abulrahman, lamented the harsh impact of sanctions on ordinary Nigeriens, citing food shortages, lack of medication, and disruptions in vital services like electricity and water treatment.
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Abulrahman urged the ECOWAS Parliament to address the dire situation faced by innocent citizens and urged swift action toward a solution that prioritizes their welfare.
Meanwhile, ECOWAS announced the suspension of Niger from all decision-making bodies within the regional bloc following the military coup on July 26.
A recent statement by the ECOWAS Commission clarified its stance, noting that until the Heads of State and Government Summit on December 10th, the bloc had recognized Bazoum as the legitimate President despite considering the events in Niger as an attempted coup.
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However, acknowledging the effective ousting of Bazoum’s government due to the coup, the Summit suspended Niger from all decision-making bodies until the restoration of constitutional rule.
The commission urged the military junta in Niger to swiftly initiate a plan to restore constitutional order, including the release of detained officials, to ensure a return to stability and constitutional governance in the country.
