In a significant development in resolving the crises between the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS and the Republic of Niger and the announcement of lifting sanctions on Niger in Abuja, Nigeria has restored electricity supply to the Niger Republic after a seven-month pause.
In its 24th session, ECOWAS justified the lifting of sanctions by stating its aim to alleviate the hardships experienced by the people of Niger. These sanctions encompassed the closure of land and air borders between ECOWAS countries and Niger, the establishment of an ECOWAS no-fly zone for commercial flights to and from Niger, the suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS member states and Niger, the halt of utility services and electricity to Niger Republic, and the freezing of assets held in ECOWAS Central Banks for the Republic of Niger.
Moreover, the sanctions entail the suspension of all financial assistance and transactions with financial institutions, including EBID and BOAD, for Niger. Additionally, they include a travel ban imposed on government officials and their families.
