ECOWAS Finally Suspends Niger Republic Over Coup

The Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially suspended Niger Republic until constitutional order is restored in the country, following the military coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.

VerseNews reports that the Community made this announcement after imposing trade sanctions and threatening military intervention, which did not lead to the restoration of constitutional order.

Despite a recent proposal to release the deposed president in exchange for lifting sanctions, the military junta rejected the offer.

During a summit in Abuja, Nigeria, ECOWAS in a statement suspended Niger from all decision-making organs until constitutional order is reinstated.

“Until the 64th ordinary session held on 10 December 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 authorised to represent Niger in ECOWAS’ statutory meetings.”

“The 10 December summit recognised that Mohamed Bazoum’s government had effectively been overthrown by a military coup.

“Consequently, beginning from 10 December 2023, Niger is suspended from all decision-making bodies of ECOWAS, until constitutional order is restored in the country,” the statement said.

The sub-regional body also called for the junta to shorten the three-year transition period but maintained sanctions against Niger.

This move mirrors the suspension of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea Bissau from ECOWAS, all part of a military-led belt in Africa’s Sahel region.