ManirBK:
Good development

ManirBK:
Nigeria has agreed to restore electricity supply to Niger Republic as
the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
yesterday lifted the sanctions on Niger, Mali, Burkina-Faso and
Guinea .

Nigeria had in August last year cut off electricity supply to Niger
Republic as one of the sanctions imposed by the ECOWAS against
the coupists in the country.
Nigeriens had felt the pangs of the lack of electricity in their country.
Senators from northern Nigeria, under the aegis of the Northern
Senators Forum, had last November asked President Bola Tinubu to
restore electricity to Niger Republic.
The Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who is the chairman of the
ECOWAS, had earlier yesterday called for the suspension of
economic sanctions imposed on Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso and
Guinea.
He said the sanctions were intended to persuade the countries to the
negotiating table.
He explained that ECOWAS took its steps based on the regional
ideals of security, social stability, democratic governance, political
freedom, broad-based prosperity and sustainable economic
development through fair opportunities for everyone in West Africa.
He said neither hatred nor hidden motive influenced the steps taken
and there was never any intention to douse or undermine the
legitimate political aspirations of any member-state or advance the
interests of any outside party.
Tinubu asked the ECOWAS to facilitate the unfettered flow of
foodstuffs, medicines and other humanitarian items to the people of
these countries, especially the most vulnerable.
He said that for Nigeria, “This will also mean the prompt resumption
of export of electricity to Niger.”
Reading the communique of the meeting to journalists, the president
of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, said the regional bloc
resolved to lift the sanctions because of its implications on the
citizens of the three countries and the West African sub-region as a
whole.
He said, “The Authority has resolved to lift, with immediate effect,
the following measures imposed on the Republic of Niger – closure
of land and air borders between ECOWAS countries and Niger. No fly
zone of all commercial flights to and from Niger is to be lifted.
Suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between
ECOWAS member states and Niger is to be lifted. Freezing of all
service transactions, including utility services, is to be lifted.
“Also, freezing of assets of the Republic of Niger in ECOWAS central
banks is to be lifted. Freezing of assets of Niger and the state
enterprises and parastatals in commercial banks is to be lifted.
Suspension of Niger from all financial assistants and transactions
with all financial institutions, particularly EBID and BIRD is to be
lifted. Travel ban on the government officials and their family
members is also to be lifted.”
He said the decision was based on humanitarian considerations,
“especially as we are in the month of lent and as we prepare for the
holy month of Ramadan.”
He said the ECOWAS had also resolved to lift the sanctions regarding
the recruitment of Malian citizens in statutory and professional
positions within its jurisdiction.
Among others, he also said the body had also resolved to lift
financial and economic sanctions on the Republic of Guinea.
“The Authority has also instructed the president of the commission to
invite Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali and Guinea to attend the technical
and consultative meetings of ECOWAS, as well as all security related
meetings.
“The Authority calls on ECOWAS institutions, member-states, YMOU
and other regional institutions to implement this decision.”
On the status of the ousted president of Niger Republic, Mohammed
Bazoom, the Authority called for his immediate release.
“The Authority also called on the transition authorities in Niger to
provide an acceptable transition timetable to the constitutional
order,” he stated.
Speaking on the intention of the three countries to withdraw from the
regional bloc, the ECOWAS urged the countries to reconsider the
decision in view of the benefits that member-states and their citizens
enjoy in the community.
“The Authority expressed its concern over the socio economic,
political, security and humanitarian impact of the decision,
particularly on the citizens of the three countries and on the regional
integration process.
“The Authority further urges the three member states to resort to
dialogue, negotiations and mediation to address their concerns” even
as they were urged to adhere to the provisions of the 1993 revised
treaty relating to withdrawal particularly article 91, he said
The ECOWAS encouraged a broader outreach, which should include
traditional, religious leaders, eminent personalities, civil society and
women leaders for the unity and security of the regional.
It reiterated the urgent need for ECOWAS to expedite the
operationalisation of the standby force in its kinetic mode to fight
against terrorism in the region, including the elements of the
Multinational Joint Task Force, and the Accra initiative.
“In this regard, the Authority instructs its commission as soon as
possible to convene the meeting of ministers of finance and defense
to propose modalities for financing and equipping counterterrorism
force.
The Authority expressed its gratitude to General Yakubu Gowon for
his interest in the welfare of the community and his valuable
suggestions.
On the political situation in Senegal, ECOWAS commended President
Macky Sall for his invaluable leadership in Africa.
“The Authority calls on Senegalese stakeholders to give priority to
dialogue, with a view to preserving the democratic gains of Senegal
through free, inclusive and transparent elections,” it added

https://dailytrust.com/nigeria-restores-electricity-supply-to-niger-as-ecowas-lifts-sanctions/

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jazzman7711:


Excellent.

Fantastic news, and a sign of brotherhood and magnanimity in the West African family of nations.

Kudos to President Tinubu and other ECOWAS leaders on this welcome development.