Northern senators hail lifting of sanctions on Niger, demand democratic rule

The Northern Senators Forum has commended the leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for lifting sanctions imposed on Niger Republic following the July 26, 2023 military takeover.

ECOWAS leaders, after closed-door talks, said they had decided to lift Niger sanctions including border closures, the freezing of central bank and state assets, and the suspension of commercial transactions with immediate effect.

The lifting of sanctions was done for humanitarian reasons, said a communique issued after a meeting to address a political crisis in the coup-hit West Africa.

Nothern senators, in a statement, hailed the ECOWAS decision, saying it was a testament to the organization’s commitment to regional solidarity, cooperation, and respect for human rights.

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The lifting on the sanctions, they said, would go a long way in alleviating the suffering of the people of Niger Republic, as well as ensuring the restoration of stability and economic prosperity in the region.

“As representatives of the people and advocates for justice and democracy, we commend ECOWAS for their responsiveness and understanding of the immense challenges faced by our fellow West African nation.

“The Northern Senators Forum stands in solidarity with ECOWAS in restoring democracy and rule of law in Niger Republic and other west African countries, and we are committed to working to promote stability, peace, and socio-economic development throughout the region, said the statement signed by Senator Suleiman Kawu Sumaila, the forum’s spokesperson.

The lawmakersm, therefore, urged the government of the military-ruled Niger Republic and its peoples to hasten the process of returning to democratic governance to build a stronger and more prosperous nation.

They also advised all regional stakeholders to continue engaging in dialogue and pursuing peaceful solutions to address any remaining concern.