Nigerians expressed satisfaction on Sunday with the removal of certain sanctions that had been imposed on the nation by the West African regional bloc after last year’s coup.

In July of the previous year, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) implemented trade suspension and stringent sanctions following the military coup that ousted Niger’s president, Mohamed Bazoum.

Despite ECOWAS’ earlier warning of potential military intervention, there are limited indications of Bazoum, who remains detained in the presidential palace in Niamey, being reinstated.

On Saturday, ECOWAS declared the lifting of some sanctions, including the no-fly zone, border closures, and asset freezes.

The impact of these sanctions has been severe on Niger, where the World Bank reports an extreme poverty rate exceeding 40 percent. The news of the partial lifting of sanctions was met with enthusiasm.

Abdoul Aziz Issoufou in Niamey expressed, “We’re very happy that the sanctions have been lifted (…) for us it’s like a day of celebration because everything is going to return to normal.” He also mentioned hopes for a drop in basic commodity prices before the upcoming month of Ramadan.

In Tahoua, celebrations ensued with the honking of car horns and parades of motorbikes and cars. However, economist Hima Garba cautioned that violence and jihadist attacks continue to plague Niger’s borders.

Simultaneously, the Northern Senators Forum applauded ECOWAS leaders for lifting sanctions on Niger Republic following the military takeover in July 2023. They viewed it as a demonstration of ECOWAS’ commitment to regional solidarity, cooperation, and human rights.

The senators emphasized that the removal of sanctions would alleviate the suffering of Niger Republic’s people and contribute to restoring stability and economic prosperity in the region. They pledged solidarity with ECOWAS in promoting democracy and the rule of law.

Justice Osai Ahiakwo, a prominent lawyer and public commentator, commended ECOWAS and General Yakubu Gowon for their intervention, stating that it represents an ideal diplomatic approach to show empathy and prevent further destabilization of civilian government.

Nigerien authorities have not yet commented on the lifting of sanctions. Alongside Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea, which have also experienced coups, Niger was suspended from ECOWAS.

Reported by Abdullateef Salau, Dalhatu Liman, and Eyo Charles with agency input; From the News Source: DailyTrust