The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has formally suspended the Republic of Niger from all sub-regional bodies until constitutional order is reinstated in the country.
This information is conveyed in a statement issued by the regional organization, reflecting the decisions made during the summit of heads of state and government held on Sunday in Abuja.
“Until the 64th ordinary session held on December 10, 2023, the Conference of Heads of State and Government considered the situation in Niger as a coup attempt and continued to consider Mohamed Bazoum, the President of the Republic of Niger, Head of State,” the statement said.
“Due to this position, Niger was not suspended from ECOWAS’ decision-making bodies, and members of Bazoum’s government were authorized to represent Niger in ECOWAS’ statutory meetings.”
The summit held on December 10 acknowledged the effective overthrow of Mohamed Bazoum’s government through a military coup.
Consequently, starting from December 10, 2023, Niger is suspended from all decision-making bodies of ECOWAS until constitutional order is reinstated in the country, as stated in the released statement.
During the ECOWAS leaders’ meeting in Abuja on Sunday, there was a proposal for the military junta of Niger, which assumed power in a coup on July 26, to release the deposed president, Mohamed Bazoum, in exchange for lifting the imposed sanctions on the country.
However, the leader of the junta, Omar Abdourahmane Tchiani, rejected the proposal, emphasizing that Bazoum would not be released.
Following the summit, the bloc presented the proposal to lift sanctions, linking it to the freedom of the deposed president.
Additionally, the junta was urged to reduce the duration of the transition period, currently set at three years. Tchiani agreed to the latter request without specifying the extent of the reduction.
The sub-regional body also announced the continuation of sanctions against Niger.