The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has taken a firm stance against individuals and entities believed to be collaborating with the military junta in the Republic of Niger.
In a significant move, ECOWAS has announced the imposition of financial sanctions on these entities, demonstrating the regional body’s determination to address the situation in the Francophone country.
The decision was reached during a leadership meeting of the regional organization on Tuesday, where the member states collectively agreed to take action against those supporting the military junta.
The ECOWAS chairman, who is also President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, has directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to implement the financial sanctions against the identified individuals and entities.
Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on media and publicity, conveyed the developments to state house correspondents.
Ngelale emphasized that this action is not a unilateral decision but rather a consensus-driven move endorsed by all ECOWAS member states and their respective heads of state.
Ngelale stated, “This is an action taken yes, by the ECOWAS chairman who is the president of Nigeria, but standing on the authority provided by the consensus resolution of all ECOWAS members and heads of state with regard to financial sanctions being levied by ECOWAS member states against the military junta in Niger Republic.”
The identities of the individuals and entities facing the financial sanctions have not been revealed, and Ngelale did not provide specific details about the nature of the sanctions.
However, the move underscores the seriousness with which ECOWAS is approaching the situation in Niger.
Additionally, ECOWAS has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the military junta in Niger Republic.
Ngelale clarified that this ultimatum is not a personal decision made by President Tinubu, but rather a mandate of ECOWAS as a collective entity.
He emphasized that the actions taken are based on the consensus position of all ECOWAS member states, with the goal of addressing the situation in the most effective manner.
