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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced the decision to raise the sanctions on Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, citing the need to maintain regional unity and security.
The Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS made the decision during their meeting in Abuja.
President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Touray stated that the authority took into account the upcoming period of Lent and Ramadan, as well as pleas from prominent leaders, including retired General Yakubu Gowon.
He emphasized that the withdrawal of sanctions would have various implications, including political, social, economic, financial, and institutional impacts on the three countries and the region as a whole.
Touray highlighted that the three countries had benefited from substantial financial support for counterterrorism efforts. He added that the funds amounting to about $7.5 million are being allocated to support the three countries in acquiring equipment for their fight against terrorism.
However, Touray also noted that the withdrawal would affect security cooperation, including intelligence sharing and participation in regional counterterrorism initiatives. It would also lead to diplomatic and political isolation at the international level, potentially affecting immigration status, residency, and business arrangements for citizens of the three countries.
He noted that not lifting the sanctions would have resulted in the halt or suspension of all ECOWAS projects and programs worth more than $500 million, including those valued at approximately $321.6 million at the institutional level.
The withdrawal would also require the closure of several regional entities and affect the job security of some 130 ECOWAS staff who are citizens of the three countries. Currently, 77 staff members are from Burkina Faso, 23 from Mali, and 32 from Niger.
