ECOWAS Lifts Sanctions on Niger, Mali, and Guinea Amid Criticism

The decision to lift sanctions is seen as potentially too late to reverse the military juntas' divergence from the regional bloc.

ECOWAS lifts sanctions on Niger, Mali, and Guinea, aiming to encourage a return to electoral democracy but faces criticism for potentially being too late.
The sanctions, intended to reverse military coups, have instead emboldened juntas and fueled resentment among the populations of the affected countries.
Despite the lifting of sanctions, the formation of the Sahel States by the juntas signals a continued divergence from ECOWAS.
Critics argue ECOWAS' actions reflect a broader failure to address democratic erosion and serve the region's elites rather than its people.
The sanctions have had severe economic impacts on the populations of the sanctioned countries, exacerbating food insecurity and hindering humanitarian aid.