From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Economic Community of West Africa States, ECOWAS, has agreed to lift sanctions on the military Junta in Niger if the regime releases former President Mohamed Bazoum from House arrest.
According to the Speaker of the ECOWAS parliament, Sidie Tunis, during a courtesy visit of a 19-man delegation of Africans Without Borders. The group had called on him to prevail on the Community to lift sanctions, which they said, was biting on the people. Tunis reassured the group that there will be break through if the junta releases a transition- to- democracy programme and releases Bazoum and family.
He said, “We are more interested in what is happening in Niger, we have sent delegations to investigate the situation after the military coup. But we need you as citizens to help to lessen the effect with your intervention as well. We represent you as members of the ECOWAS parliament. Citizen’s diplomacy in my opinion is the best form of diplomacy that if used well can solve a whole lot of problems not only in the region but in the entire Continent of Africa.
“As at the moment there has been no breakthrough, but I believe that a group like this will be able to in the position to help the situation.
Reassuring the group that the Community, Tunis added that, “We are for the people of Niger and we will continue to support the people of Niger and I can assure you that we are with the people of Niger.”
Responding, president of the group, Mr Ziwana Abdourahmane said the sanction has impacted the people of Niger negatively. According to him, “It is the masses that are feeling the sanction, that is why we are here to let you know that and therefore help them.
