The Niger government has requested the lifting of sanctions imposed by its neighbors following the July 30 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) imposed these sanctions, suspending aid for health, security, and infrastructure needs. The sanctions have affected almost half of Niger’s annual budget, closed borders, and cut off over 70% of its electricity supply from Nigeria. Financial transactions with West African countries were suspended, and Niger’s assets in external banks were frozen.
The sanctions were the most stringent yet imposed by the regional bloc to stem coups in the Sahel. However, they have had little impact on the government’s ambition, which has consolidated its hold on power while millions in Niger face growing hardship. The government has asked the court to relax the sanctions pending the final judgement, but ECOWAS protested against their request. The ECOWAS attorney, Francois Kanga-Penond, said that the government lacks the authority to bring such a matter in court since it is not recognized by the bloc’s protocol.
The court adjourned until December 7, and Bazoum, who has been under house arrest since the coup, has asked the same court to order his release and the return of constitutional order. The court is set to rule on November 30.
