ECOWAS lifts economic sanctions on Mali and Guinea: A step towards regional deceleration

ECOWAS has decided to lift economic sanctions against Mali and Guinea this Sunday. Previously, Niger had already benefited from this measure, but it is noteworthy that Burkina Faso is not mentioned in the statement of the West African sub-regional organization.

During the extraordinary summit held in Abuja on Saturday, the Economic Community of West African States addressed issues related to «politics, peace, and security in the Republic of Niger» as well as «recent developments in the region».

These decisions represent a significant step towards regional de-escalation with the military regimes in place.

In September 2022, sanctions were imposed by the West African organization against Guinea led by Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya, who had overthrown President Alpha Condé.

These sanctions led to the interruption of assistance and financial transactions by ECOWAS financial institutions, as well as the freezing of assets of the junta members and the government. Additionally, these individuals were subjected to travel bans.

The lifting of sanctions, in addition to the one already granted to Niger, now applies to Mali.

A «restriction on recruiting citizens of Mali for positions within its institutions» imposed by ECOWAS was previously in effect.

Yann ETERNEL