West African bloc restores ties following junta’s agreement to transitional roadmap.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has lifted economic and diplomatic sanctions on Niger after the military government agreed to a transitional plan that includes elections by 2026. The announcement followed closed-door talks in Abuja between ECOWAS leaders and Niger’s ruling generals.
Sanctions were imposed in July 2023 after the military ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. Borders were closed, financial assets frozen, and energy supplies restricted. The junta’s resistance to dialogue caused months of regional tension and humanitarian strain.
However, recent negotiations yielded a phased plan that will see a new constitution drafted by 2025, leading to general elections in 2026. In return, ECOWAS has restored trade, travel, and banking channels to stabilize Niger’s economy.
Observers say this move could prevent the region from slipping into further coups and fragmentation. The African Union has praised ECOWAS’s diplomacy but insists on international monitoring of the transition to avoid a power entrenchment.
I’m Adedayo Obadina
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