The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Thursday announced the suspension of Niger from all decision-making bodies within the regional bloc, effective December 10. This decision comes more than four months after acknowledging the overthrow of the country’s government in a coup d’État.
During its 64th ordinary session held on December 10, 2023, the Conference of Heads of State and Government perceived the events in Niger as an attempted coup, maintaining Mohamed Bazoum’s status as the President of the Republic of Niger and Head of State, according to a statement released by the regional organization on Thursday.
“In light of this position, Niger was not suspended from ECOWAS decision-making bodies, and members of Bazoum’s government were authorized to represent Niger at ECOWAS statutory meetings,” the statement explained.
However, following the summit on December 10, the ECOWAS acknowledged that Mohamed Bazoum’s government had indeed been overthrown by a military coup. Consequently, as of December 10, 2023, Niger is suspended from all decision-making bodies of ECOWAS until constitutional order is restored in the country, as stated in the press release.
At the conclusion of the Sunday summit in Abuja, ECOWAS maintained the economic and financial sanctions imposed on Niger after the July 26 coup, linking any potential easing of sanctions to a “short transition,” among other conditions.
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