Africa
Why we lifted sanctions on Niger Republic, Mali, Burkina Faso- ECOWAS
Why we lifted sanctions on Niger Republic, Mali, Burkina Faso- ECOWAS
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) says the decision to lift sanctions on Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso was based on the need to maintain regional unity and security.
Dr Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission said this at the end of the extraordinary session of the Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS on Saturday in Abuja.
He said that the authority took note of the period of Lent and the approaching month of Ramadan and the impact on citizens, adding that pleas were also received from prominent leaders including retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon.
”The authority takes note that the withdrawal will have political, social, socio economic, financial and institutional implications for the three countries as well as for ECOWAS as a region.
”The authority recalls that within the framework of regional cooperation against terrorism, violent extremism and organised crime, the three countries benefited from about 100 million US dollars mobilised by UMR within the context of ECOWAS plan of action against terrorism.
”Moreover, some funds allocation, about 7.5 million U.S. dollars is being made towards supporting the three countries in acquiring the equipment to help their fight against terrorism.
”The withdrawal will affect security cooperation in terms of sharing intelligence and participation in regional counterterrorism initiatives.
”Such as the Accra initiative, and the Multinational Joint Task Force,’‘ he said.
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Touray added that the withdrawal of the countries from the sub-regional bloc would lead to diplomatic and political isolation at the international scene where the countries have obtained support for their candidates in the contest for international positions.
”The authority recognises that the withdrawal will automatically affect the immigration status of the citizens, as they may be required to obtain visas to travel around the region.
”Citizens may no longer be able to reside or set up businesses under ECOWAS arrangement and may be subject to diverse national laws.
The three countries will cease to use ECOWAS passports across biometric national identity cards, and the brown card vehicle insurance.
”The authority recognises that the three member states represent 17.4
per cent of the region’s 425 million population.
Even though they represent 10% of the region’s GDP, their departure will constitute a reduction of the market size of ECOWAS.
He said that the sanctions were lifted to promote trade and benefits derived from several regional projects and programmes including the Regional Food Security Reserve.
”The regional support programme for powerful pastoralism in the Sahel, which is being funded by the World Bank to the tune of 215 million US dollars is also a project that benefits the three countries.
”The three countries also benefit from the Sahel regional irrigation support programme, which is being funded by the World Bank to the tune of 103 million US dollars.
”The three regional food systems resilient support programme in the amount of 230 million, funded by the World Bank is also benefiting the three countries.
”West African single identity and regional integration and inclusion project is another programme that the three countries benefit from.”
He said that other projects the countries benefits from are the ECOWAS regional electricity market, West African Power Pool project, which links member states to a regional electricity grid for improved access to electricity.
He said not lifting the sanction would result in the halt or the suspension of all ECOWAS projects and programmes worth more than 500 million US dollars.
Touray said that the projects collectively valued at approximately 321.6 million U.S. dollars.
”Reviewing the implications at the institutional level, the authority notes that the withdrawal will not only require the closure of four regional entities in Burkina Faso, two regional bodies in Mali and one regional office in Asia.
”It will also affect the job security of some 130 ECOWAS staff who are citizens of the three countries. Currently 77 staff members are from Burkina Faso, 23 are from Mali, and 32 are from Niger.
Why we lifted sanctions on Niger Republic, Mali, Burkina Faso- ECOWAS
Africa
Navy helicopters collide mid-air, 10 dead
Ten people have died after two navy helicopters collided in mid-air during a military rehearsal for a Royal Malaysian Navy parade.
One of the choppers clipped the rotor of the other before the two crashed into the ground, footage published on local media show.
The incident took place at 09:30 local time (02:30 BST) in the Malaysian town of Lumut, which is home to a navy base.
There are no known survivors.
“All victims were confirmed dead on site and the remains were sent to the [Lumut] Military Hospital for identification,” said the Royal Malaysian Navy.
It added that it will form a committee to investigate the cause of the incident.
One of the helicopters, a HOM M503-3 with seven people on board, is believed to have crashed onto a running track.
The other, a Fennec M502-6 carrying the other three victims, crashed into a swimming pool nearby.
The state’s fire and rescue department said it was alerted to the incident at 09:50 local time (01:50 GMT).
In March, a Malaysian coast guard helicopter crashed into the sea off Malaysia’s Angsa Island during a training flight.
The pilot, co-pilot and two passengers on board were found and rescued by fishermen.
Navy helicopters collide mid-air, 10 dead
BBC
Africa
League of African Ambassadors congratulates Senegal’s President-elect, Bassirou Faye
League of African Ambassadors congratulates Senegal’s President-elect, Bassirou Faye
The League of African Ambassadors, a coalition of African diplomats, extends its heartfelt congratulations to Bassirou Diomaye Faye on his historic election as the President-elect of the Republic of Senegal.
In a statement released today and signed by the President of the group, Amb. Nwannebuike Eze Ominyi, the League heralded Faye’s triumph as a significant milestone for democracy not only in West Africa but across the entire continent.
Faye’s victory underscores the resilience of democratic values and processes in Senegal.
Ominyi emphasized the transformative nature of Faye’s ascent to power, characterizing it as a generational shift in Senegal’s political landscape. He urged Faye to swiftly address the pressing social and economic challenges confronting the nation, underscoring the importance of prioritizing the well-being of Senegal’s citizens.
Faye’s remarkable victory comes a mere 10 days after his release from prison, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to democratic principles. Despite facing formidable obstacles, Faye’s courage, determination, and unwavering dedication to the democratic cause propelled him to triumph.
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The League lauded Faye’s tireless efforts to deepen democracy in Senegal and his ability to unite diverse segments of society. His extensive political experience and commitment to national development have garnered widespread support, particularly among the country’s youth.
“Faye’s years of political activism and democratic advocacy have earned him the trust and admiration of the Senegalese people,” Ominyi remarked. “His leadership will undoubtedly serve as a beacon of inspiration for other African leaders, guiding them towards inclusive governance and sustainable development.”
As Senegal charts a course towards economic recovery and political stability, Faye’s leadership promises to set a precedent for excellence and progress. The League of African Ambassadors and High Commissioners stands ready to support President-elect Bassirou Faye in his efforts to build a prosperous and inclusive Senegal.
About the League of African Ambassadors and High Commissioners:
The League of African Ambassadors and High Commissioners is a prominent non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting democracy, peace, and development across the African continent. Comprising distinguished diplomats and leaders, the League advocates for inclusive governance and socioeconomic progress in Africa.
League of African Ambassadors congratulates Senegal’s President-elect, Bassirou Faye
Africa
How Mali army killed 13 civilians in drone strikes – Amnesty
How Mali army killed 13 civilians in drone strikes – Amnesty
Mali’s army has killed at least 13 civilians, including seven children aged between two and 17, in drone strikes in the north of the country, Amnesty International said Wednesday.
One man told the London-based rights group he had lost his wife and six of his children in the night-time air raid on the area of Amasrakad on March 17.
The army had described the two strikes as “having contributed to neutralising many terrorists”, Amnesty said, but that claim was refuted by the accounts of seven survivors and witnesses.
A first strike hit a pick-up truck, then a second struck a makeshift shelter where residents had sought refuge, killing nine people instantly, Amnesty said.
Three more people died of their wounds and a woman discovered later that her unborn foetus had died.
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“It is unconscionable that whole families could be killed by drone strikes, without any accountability or justice,” said Amnesty’s Samira Daoud.
“Authorities in Mali must ensure an effective and independent investigation into the killings of these civilians.”
Mali has since 2012 been ravaged by different jihadist groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group, as well as by self-declared self-defence forces and bandits.
The country has been under military rule since back-to-back coups in 2020 and 2021, with the security situation compounded by a profound humanitarian and political crisis.
Amnesty says the army has intensified military operations against Al-Qaeda, IS and former rebel groups since mid-2023, regularly conducting drone strikes.
It said an increase in military operations in the regions of Kidal and Gao over the last few months had pushed many people to flee to Amasrakad.
How Mali army killed 13 civilians in drone strikes – Amnesty
AFP
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