Niger: ECOWAS Imposes Sanctions On Burkina Faso, Mali

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has imposed heavier financial sanctions on the governments of Mali and Burkina Faso over the coup in Niger Republic.

Naija News understands that ECOWAS had earlier given coup leaders in Niger seven days to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum or risk sanctions, including possible military action.

Following the end of the ultimatum, ECOWAS on Monday fixed a meeting for Thursday to review the situation in the West African nation.

The coup leaders, however, did not feel threatened by the sanctions imposed by ECOWAS and vowed to resist any foreign intervention on its soil.

The military junta also refused to grant an audience to the delegations from the African Union, ECOWAS, United Nations and the United States to resolve the political impasse in the country.

Recall that the presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, had said more sanctions had been imposed on the individuals and entities relating to the Niger military junta.

But a presidency source revealed to The PUNCH on Tuesday that the fresh sanctions by ECOWAS on the Niger Republic apply to Mali and Burkina Faso.

The source, who craved anonymity, said both countries have openly supported the coup in Niger and are also affected by the sanctions imposed by ECOWAS.

He said: “They (Burkina Faso and Mali) are included in the ECOWAS sanction. It affects any and every entity that is doing business with the Niger Republic. There is no hidden meaning to that, it’s clear.”