Babatunji Wusu –
ECOWAS has decided to gradually lift the sanctions against Niger in accordance with the results of the committee of heads of state’s engagement with the CMSP.
This resolution was part of a communiqué that was read by ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Touray on Sunday in Abuja, following the 64th regular session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS.
“The Authority will progressively ease the sanctions imposed on Niger based on the outcomes of the committee of heads of state’s engagement with the CMSP,” the Communique states.
“ECOWAS shall sustain all sanctions, including the use of force, in the event that the CMSP fails to comply with the outcomes of the engagement with the committee.
“And shall request that the targeted sanctions be applied to members of the CMSP and their associates by the African Union and all other partners.”
The group underlined the necessity of Mohammed Bazoum, the president of Niger, being released from custody immediately and without conditions.
The CMSP regime’s ongoing arrest of President Mohammed Bazoum, his family, and allies is greatly regretted by the Authority.
The Authority also regrets the CMSP’s lack of dedication to reestablishing constitutional order.
As a result, the Authority demands that President Mohammed Bazoum, his family, and associates be released promptly and without hindrance by the CMSP.
The bloc also decided to give immediate consideration to the activation of a standby force for counterterrorism operations in parts of the region where terrorist groups are rife.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to eliminating threats to the peace, security, and stability of the area, including terrorism.
Additionally, they decided to organize an unprecedented meeting on unconstitutional government changes with the goal of advancing democracy, security, and peace throughout the region.
The group was given instructions by the ECOWAS leaders to think carefully and investigate holding the special meeting.
A committee of heads of state was also formed by the ECOWAS, led by President Bola Tinubu, to discuss the necessity for a fast transition plan and the deployment of monitoring mechanisms with CMSP, the military junta in the Niger Republic.
The heads of state of Togo, Sierra Leone, and Benin are members of the Committee.
In order to quickly restore constitutional order, they must negotiate with the coup leaders and other relevant parties on a brief transition plan, the creation of transition organs, and monitoring and assessment procedures.
Under Tinubu’s direction, the summit applauded the member nations’ and the ECOWAS Commission’s efforts to strengthen democracy, peace, security, and stability in the area.
The Authority specifically highlighted the peaceful elections that occurred in Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Liberia throughout the year.
They applauded the peaceful settlement of the Nigerian electoral dispute as well as the peaceful conclusion of the government-opposition talks in the Republic of Sierra Leone.
The presidents gave the commission instructions to call a meeting of the region’s finance and defense ministers to discuss fighting terrorism and related security issues.
The meeting will decide how to support the deployment of a regional counterterrorism force by obligatorily mobilizing internal financial, human, and material resources.
“The Authority directs the commission to facilitate the mission of Special Envoy on Counterterrorism, Ambassador Baba Kamara, and takes note of the commencement of his assignment.”
The commission was also instructed by the ECOWAS leaders to step up cooperation with sub-regional counterterrorism programs like the MTJN and Accra project.
At the summit, member nations were urged to enhance cooperation and coordination between the several ministries, departments, and agencies in charge of maritime security, as well as to increase funds for joint marine operations and drills.
The assembly urged the Gambian government and interested parties to ratify the new constitution as soon as possible in order to avoid the general elections of 2026.
They also demanded that the White Paper on the Gambia Truth, Reconciliation, and Peace Commission’s proposals be put into action.
The ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia’s mission was extended by one year by the leaders. They gave it instructions to keep helping the nation carry out the defense and security sector reforms as well as the white paper.
The leaders of Guinea-Bissau have vehemently denounced the violence that broke out in the nation on December 1 and attempted to subvert the country’s constitutional order and legal system.
The leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) praised the actions of the devoted security forces in Guinea-Bissau and showed support for the nation’s citizens and constitutional authorities.
The commission was given instructions to examine the mission’s mandate and the ECOWAS stabilization support mission in Guinea Bissau was extended during the meeting.
The leaders of Sierra Leone expressed regret over the deaths and property damage caused by the failed coup on November 26. To find and apprehend the offenders, they demanded an exhaustive and open inquiry.
They cheered the signing of the national unity accord that emerged from mediated talks between Sierra Leone’s opposition party and the government.
All parties and interested parties were urged to implement the agreement in good faith and within the allotted timeframe during the meeting.
The committee was given instructions by the ECOWAS leaders to keep helping Sierra Leone and to make it easier for an ECOWAS standby security operation to be deployed for stabilization.
The Authority of Heads of State and Government in Senegal announced plans for the presidential election scheduled for February 25, 2024, but emphasized the need for inclusiveness and openness in the electoral process.
They urged the Senegalese government and all relevant parties to handle the electoral processes with full adherence to the rule of law, ECOWAS protocols, and constitutional standards.
