Lawmakers in the West African sub-region on the platform of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament have issued an appealed to the Head of States and Government in the region to lift the sanctions imposed on Niger Republic following the July coup by military junta in the country.
The move is in response to the military junta’s ouster of President Mohamed Bazoum, prompting widespread repercussions.
Military officers, led by the former Presidential Guard Commander, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, seized power in the Niger Republic in a forceful takeover back in July 2023.
In a bid to protest against this coup, the Heads of State in ECOWAS imposed sanctions on the nation, resulting in a range of adverse effects on the populace.
Addressing journalists after the opening session of the parliament on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, Senator Ali Ndume, highlighted the severe impact of the sanctions on the Niger Republic and its neighboring states, particularly along the shared border with Nigeria.
“About seven states bordering Niger Republic have been at the receiving end of the sanctions. Children and women have been exposed to untold hardship. No meaningful progress has been made in resolving this issue,” Senator Ndume expressed concern.
He went on to note the appeal for compassion, stating, “We are appealing to ECOWAS states to lift the sanction and open the closed border between Niger and Nigeria because it is the poor that are suffering. Let me say this is a collective decision by concerned citizens.”
Senator Ndume made clear that the press conference aimed to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis unfolding as a result of the sanctions. “This press conference is simply an appeal to the ECOWAS Heads of State to consider the humanitarian situation and resolve the political impasse in Niger,” he added.
 Parliament have issued an appealed to the Head of States and Government in the region to lift the sanctions imposed on Niger Republic following the July coup by military junta in the country. ){kind=link}