Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has lifted all economic sanctions imposed on neighbouring Niger, ending an eight-month period of restrictions following a military coup in the country. The sanctions included border closures, suspension of commercial flights, and interruption of electricity supply to Niger. These measures had significantly impacted trade, with exports like livestock and onions dwindling and border communities facing shortages of essential commodities.
The decision to lift the sanctions comes after last month’s agreement by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to lift economic sanctions against Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea, all of which experienced military takeovers in recent years. Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso had previously announced their intention to withdraw from ECOWAS following the imposition of sanctions.
Meanwhile, Niger’s ousted President Mohamed Bazoum remains detained by military leaders since the coup last July. The lifting of sanctions marks a significant step towards restoring normalcy and economic stability in the region.
Source: BBC NEWS