The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court in Abuja has set December 7, 2023, as the day for delivering its verdict on interim measures concerning a case involving Niger Republic and the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
Niger Republic had sued President Bola Tinubu and other ECOWAS leaders for the sanctions imposed on their country after military officers took over the reins of power months ago in the tiny West African nation.
In a compelling hearing on Monday, November 21, 2023, the court heard arguments from Niger Republic’s representatives, highlighting the adverse effects of sanctions enforced by ECOWAS.
They said the sanctions, initiated under the leadership of President Tinubu, have led to severe shortages of essential supplies like food, medication, and electricity due to border closures and interrupted power supply from Nigeria.
The applicants, represented by Mr. Moukaila Yaye and other legal representatives, fervently pleaded for immediate suspension of the sanctions, citing the dire humanitarian consequences suffered by the people of Niger.
Simultaneously, the ECOWAS Parliament has echoed the plea, appealing to President Tinubu and regional heads of state to reconsider the sanctions.
Senator Ali Ndume, Nigeria’s Senate Chief Whip, emphasized the collective suffering experienced by women and children in the affected regions due to the sanctions.
