In a recent interview released on Monday, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, the newly appointed Prime Minister of Niger, expressed his confidence in the country’s ability to overcome the sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
These sanctions were instituted following the recent coup that saw the democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, ousted by army officers on July 26.
Speaking to German broadcaster Deutsche Welle, Prime Minister Zeine emphasized that despite the challenge presented by the sanctions, Niger remains resolute in its determination to surmount them.
He stated, “We think that even though it is an unfair challenge that has been imposed on us, we should be able to overcome it. And we will overcome it.”
The sanctions levied by ECOWAS have had a severe impact on Niger, with severed financial transactions, electricity supply disruptions, and closed borders causing significant hardships. These measures have effectively blocked crucial imports to the landlocked nation, which is already grappling with being one of the world’s poorest countries.
The military leadership, which came to power following the coup, has strongly criticized the sanctions, labeling them as “illegal, inhumane, and humiliating.” They have highlighted how the sanctions have hindered access to essential items such as medicines, food, and electricity for the people of Niger.
Despite the challenges, Prime Minister Zeine remains optimistic about finding a resolution through diplomatic channels. He welcomed the upcoming visit by a Nigerian delegation and stressed the importance of maintaining strong ties with Nigeria as well as fostering collaboration within the West African bloc.
“We have a great interest in preserving this important and historical relationship and also in having ECOWAS work on purely economic issues first,” Prime Minister Zeine emphasized.
He added, “Because the basic principle of solidarity is to work to enable all the states that belong to this union to be in a position to create the conditions for prosperity, and also to ensure that each of the countries benefits from the solidarity of the community.”
In his closing remarks, Prime Minister Zeine urged the populace to place their trust in the new authorities. He assured the public that the government’s actions are driven by integrity and competence, aiming to serve the citizens to the best of their abilities.
As Niger navigates the complexities of the sanctions imposed by ECOWAS, the Prime Minister’s commitment to diplomacy, economic progress, and international cooperation remain at the forefront of the nation’s efforts to restore stability and prosperity in the region.
Niger Can Overcome ECOWAS Sanctions, Says Military-Appointed PM
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