The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS/CEDEAO, has taken a firm stand in response to the political upheaval in Niger. In a historic move, the regional organization has officially suspended the Republic of Niger from all sub-regional bodies until constitutional order is restored in the country. This decision comes in the wake of the summit of heads of state and government held on Sunday in Abuja, where crucial decisions were made, shaping the future of Niger’s governance.

At the center of this suspension is the recognition of the situation in Niger as a coup attempt, leading to the continued consideration of Mohamed Bazoum as the President of the Republic of Niger and the Head of State. However, the tide turned during the 64th ordinary session on December 10, 2023, as the summit acknowledged the overthrow of Mohamed Bazoum’s government by a military coup. Consequently, the Republic of Niger has been duly suspended from all decision-making bodies of ECOWAS until constitutional order is reestablished in the country.

During the summit in Abuja, ECOWAS leaders made an audacious proposal to the military junta of Niger, offering to lift the sanctions imposed on the country in exchange for the release of the deposed president, Mohamed Bazoum. However, this proposal was met with defiance by the leader of the junta, Omar Abdourahmane Tchiani, who categorically rejected the release of Bazoum. Despite the rejection, the bloc upheld the proposal, urging the junta to consider shortening the duration of the transition period, which is currently set at three years. Tchiani, though agreeing to this last request, refrained from specifying the revised duration, leaving the situation at a critical juncture.

As the political landscape in Niger hangs in the balance, the ECOWAS suspension stands as a potent symbol of the regional community’s unwavering commitment to upholding democratic principles. The unfolding events in Niger bear stark implications for the future of the country and its relationship with the broader West African region. The maintenance of the sanctions against Niger underscores the resolve of ECOWAS to navigate this turbulent chapter in the country’s history. The coming days hold the promise of pivotal developments, as the international community watches with bated breath, hopeful for a peaceful and constitutional resolution to the crisis.