The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced the lifting of sanctions imposed on Niger Republic, Mali and Burkina-Faso, all member nations ruled by military regimes.
President Bola Tinubu, chairman of ECOWAS, disclosed this decision on Saturday during an extraordinary summit held in Abuja.
The move comes as a gesture of humanitarian consideration, particularly in light of the approaching Lenten period and the month of Ramadan.
Speaking at the summit, Tinubu emphasized the regional bloc’s commitment to improving the lives of people across West Africa through cooperation and mutual understanding.
He stressed the importance of upholding ECOWAS’ foundational principles of security, social stability, democratic governance, political freedom, and economic prosperity for all citizens.
“In my mind and heart, that which is hurtful yet ineffective serves no good purpose and should be abandoned,” Tinubu stated, referencing the ineffectiveness of sanctions as a means to resolve political differences.
He emphasized that ECOWAS’ actions were driven solely by the desire to promote dialogue and foster unity among member states.
Tinubu highlighted the significance of the upcoming Ramadan and Lenten period, urging leaders to embrace compassion, hope, and harmony in their interactions.
He called for the indefinite suspension of economic sanctions against the affected nations and their military leadership, emphasizing the need to prioritize humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations.
“As leaders of ECOWAS, we have accepted the honour and duty to draft the history of the region and its people during our tenure in office,” Tinubu affirmed.
“Today, we say unto them — let us begin to work more earnestly together for the economic development of our people and towards confronting those modern challenges that respect no borders or boundaries.”
