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ECOWAS Eases Sanctions on Guinea, Mali

  • 27 Feb 2024

On 25th February, ECOWAS lifted financial sanctions on Guinea, and restrictions on Malian recruitment, signalling a shift towards military regimes in West Africa.

Key Points

  • Sanctions Imposed After Coups: Guinea and Mali faced sanctions following military coups between 2020 and 2023.
  • Lifting of Sanctions: ECOWAS lifts financial and economic sanctions on Guinea.
  • Restrictions on the recruitment of Malians to professional positions within ECOWAS institutions are lifted.
  • Decision at Emergency Summit: Measures decided during an emergency summit but not mentioned in closing speech by ECOWAS Commission chief.
  • Suspension of Membership: Guinea, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso suspended from ECOWAS membership due to military takeovers.
  • Specific Sanctions: Guinea faced bans on financial transactions with ECOWAS member institutions post-President Alpha Conde's ousting.
  • Sanctions on Mali lifted in 2022 after military announced transition timetable to civilian rule.
  • No-fly Zone Lifted for Niger: No-fly zone, border closures, and asset freezes lifted for Niger on humanitarian grounds.
  • Implications and Shifts: Move suggests ECOWAS's willingness to engage with military regimes.
  • Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso planning exit from ECOWAS, forging ties with Russia.
  • Call for Re-examination: Nigerian President urges reconsideration of approach to constitutional order in member states.