The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS/CEDEAO) has officially suspended Niger’s membership until constitutional order is restored, according to a statement issued after the recent summit of heads of state and government in Abuja.
Initially considering the situation as a coup attempt, the conference acknowledged Mohamed Bazoum as Niger’s President until the 64th ordinary session on December 10, 2023, when the government was recognized as effectively overthrown by a military coup.
Consequently, Niger is suspended from all ECOWAS decision-making bodies until constitutional order is reinstated. The ECOWAS leaders had proposed lifting sanctions in exchange for releasing the deposed president, Mohamed Bazoum, but the military junta rejected the offer. The sub-regional body also maintains sanctions against Niger.
