President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is barely a year into his reign and is already arguably the most critiqued president of Nigeria. One of his lesser-known but still highly criticised actions is his response to the Republic of Niger鈥檚 current political instability.
What happened between Nigeria and the Republic of Niger?
On July 26, 2023, took over President Mohamed Bazoum鈥檚 government through a coup. In a bid to return things to order, the ECOWAS imposed sanctions spearheaded by President Tinubu.
However, these sanctions Niger and Nigeria, disrupting cross-border trade and causing economic hardship in both countries. They have also hindered regional stability and counter-terrorism initiatives in which both countries were involved. What started as an effort to control political turmoil has created in that region of West Africa.
What were the sanctions placed on Niger?
The the closure of land and air borders, freezing of assets in the ECOWAS Central Bank, suspension of commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS member states and Niger, freezing of state enterprises in commercial banks, freezing of service transactions, including utility services, and a no-fly zone for commercial flights to and from Niger.聽
What is Nigeria鈥檚 business there?
Our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is the sitting chairman of the ECOWAS. And the sanctions with the most effect on Niger鈥檚 socio-economic decline are Nigeria鈥檚 decision to supply to Niger and close the borders between us.
As the chairman, President Tinubu was instrumental in the decision-making of the ECOWAS board. He received criticism for initially taking forceful measures that affected the trade and security of Nigerian states sharing borders with Niger. Once the border was reopened, he received from the Northern governors forum whose states had been most affected in Nigeria.
What鈥檚 the current situation?
The ECOWAS sanctions against the Niger Republic were on February 24, 2024, on humanitarian grounds, with the hope of fostering dialogue with the military junta in Niger, Mali and Guinea and improving the socio-economic conditions in the region.
The land and air borders between ECOWAS countries and Niger, the No Fly Zone for all commercial flights to and from the country and the suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS member states and Niger have all been lifted.
Public reaction
While some political analysts, like , welcome the decision to lift the sanctions, others doubt its impact. Some others believe the ban should have in the first place and that lifting it is a sign of weakness from the ECOWAS, which the junta will exploit.
Do you think ECOWAS could鈥檝e done better, or President Tinubu could鈥檝e managed a better compromise?
To keep up to date with what鈥檚 happening in society, start with this: About Nigeria鈥檚 Plan to Increase the Minimum Wage
