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.