The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament has called on the Heads of State and Government in the region to lift the sanctions imposed on the Niger Republic. The appeal was made following the opening session of the parliament on Wednesday.
In July, ECOWAS Heads of States imposed sanctions on the Niger Republic in response to the ouster of President Mohamed Bazoum by military officers, led by former Presidential Guard Commander, General Abdourahamane Tchiani.
Speaking to journalists, Senator Ali Ndume, the Chief Whip of the Senate, highlighted the adverse effects of the sanctions on states in Nigeria, particularly those sharing borders with Niger. He emphasized that approximately seven Nigerian states are directly affected, leading to hardships for children and women.
Ndume stated, “Children and women have been exposed to untold hardship. No meaningful progress has been made in resolving this issue. We are appealing to ECOWAS states to lift the sanction and open the closed border between Niger and Nigeria because it is the poor that are suffering.”
The senator pointed out that the press conference serves as an appeal to the ECOWAS Heads of State, urging them to consider the humanitarian situation and work towards resolving the political impasse in Niger.
The sanctions, which have impacted the economic and social conditions in the region, have prompted concerns about the well-being of the affected populations. The ECOWAS Parliament’s call for the lifting of sanctions reflects a collective effort to address the challenges faced by the people and seek a resolution to the political tensions in the Niger Republic.
