(Ecofin Agency) - The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has agreed to lift the sanctions it previously imposed on military-led Niger. The decision, taken on February 24 during the extraordinary summit held in Abuja, Nigeria, came after former Nigerian president Yakubu Gowon, a founding member of ECOWAS, called for an end to punitive measures against countries affected by military coups.

The relief includes unblocking financial and banking transactions, ending the energy embargo, resuming commercial flights to and from Niger, and reopening national borders. Furthermore, ECOWAS authorities have invited leaders from the four suspended countries (Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Guinea) to rejoin discussions, especially during forthcoming sessions of the heads of state and government conference.

Originally, the sanctions - which encompassed economic and diplomatic constraints, along with border closures - aimed to pressure Niger's new military leaders to restore constitutional and civil governance swiftly. However, these sanctions were criticized by the military rulers, who, along with Mali and Burkina Faso, declared their immediate withdrawal from ECOWAS.

The removal of sanctions represents ECOWAS's effort to maintain its unity, which has been threatened by the coups d'état in the three countries belonging to the new Alliance of Sahel States (AoSS) and Guinea. This action responds to Mr. Gowon's call for sanctions to be eased and for these nations to remain within the community, now reduced to 15 members since Mauritania's official departure.

The lifting of sanctions by ECOWAS is expected to alleviate the hardship faced by businesses and the general population, who have been among the hardest hit, particularly concerning restrictions on the free movement of people and goods. This ECOWAS initiative reflects a concerted effort to maintain unity and sustain membership in the context of escalating regional disputes.