Rédaction Africa Links 24 with News Desk
Published on 2024-02-25 09:43:14
The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, recently made the decision to lift sanctions on Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso with the aim of maintaining regional unity and security. This decision was announced by Dr. Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, following an extraordinary session of the Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS in Abuja.
Dr. Touray highlighted that the decision to lift sanctions was influenced by the upcoming period of Lent and Ramadan, as well as pleas from prominent leaders like retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon. The authority acknowledged that the withdrawal of sanctions would have various implications on the political, social, economic, financial, and institutional aspects of the three countries as well as the region as a whole.
Within the framework of regional cooperation against terrorism, violent extremism, and organized crime, the three countries had previously received financial support from ECOWAS. Additionally, funds had been allocated to support the countries in acquiring equipment to enhance their fight against terrorism. The withdrawal of the countries from ECOWAS would impact security cooperation, intelligence sharing, and participation in regional counterterrorism initiatives.
Furthermore, Dr. Touray emphasized that the diplomatic and political isolation of the countries at the international level would be a consequence of their withdrawal from the sub-regional bloc. Citizens of the three countries would also be affected, requiring visas for regional travel and being subject to diverse national laws.
The authority recognized that the three countries represent a significant portion of the region’s population and economy. Their departure would result in a reduction of the market size of ECOWAS. To promote trade and regional benefits, the sanctions were lifted to ensure the continuation of various regional projects and programs, including the Regional Food Security Reserve, pastoralism support in the Sahel, irrigation support, and food system resilience programs.
The countries also benefit from projects such as the West African single identity and regional integration project, the ECOWAS regional electricity market, and the West African Power Pool project. Not lifting the sanctions would lead to the suspension of over 500 million US dollars worth of ECOWAS projects and programs collectively valued at approximately 321.6 million US dollars.
At the institutional level, the withdrawal of the three countries would require the closure of several regional entities and affect the job security of ECOWAS staff who are citizens of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. The decision to lift sanctions was made to mitigate these significant implications and ensure the continued cooperation and unity within the ECOWAS region.
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