The Northern Senators Forum has expressed its heartfelt appreciation and commendation to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for their decisive action in lifting sanctions imposed on Niger Republic as a result of a military takeover on 26th July, 2023.
ECOWAS leaders, after a closed-door meeting on Saturday, 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, according to a communique issued after the meeting.
Senator Suleiman Kawu Sumaila, NNPP, Kano South, the spokesman of the Northern Senators, hailed the ECOWAS decision, saying it was a testament to the organization’s commitment to regional solidarity, cooperation, and respect for human rights.
The Forum believes that the principled and empathetic decision made by ECOWAS to lift the sanctions on Niger Republic will 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.
“We are particularly grateful that ECOWAS leaders have considered our pleas to restore electricity, open borders, and lift the sanctions on Niger Republic. These measures will not only have crucial humanitarian implications, but will also foster regional integration, trade, and cooperation,” the statement reads.
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 is committed to working to promote stability, peace, and socio-economic development throughout the region.
The Forum urges the government of Niger Republic and its people to seize this opportunity to hasten the process of returning to democratic governance to build a stronger and more prosperous nation. It also urges all regional stakeholders to continue engaging in dialogue and pursuing peaceful solutions to address any remaining concerns, fostering a harmonious environment for progress and development.
Finally, the Northern Senators Forum would like to reiterate its deep appreciation to ECOWAS leaders, especially President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, for their proactive and benevolent intervention in lifting the sanctions imposed on Niger Republic. The Forum is confident that this decision will leave an indelible mark on the collective memory of the region.
