ECOWAS reinstates Niger, Guinea & Grants Chad an observer status
The first day of the 39th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government had seen the reinstatement of two Countries (the Republic of Niger and Republic of Guinea) into the regional body. (Photo: ECOWAS heads of state and government including President Koroma)
According to Sierra Leone’s Information and Communications Minister Hon. Alhaji Ibrahim Ben Kargbo, the two Countries were unanimously reinstated by the sub regional Countries Wednesday, after it was perceived that the two Countries have satisfactorily met all the conditions put out by ECOWAS relating to their reinstatements to the sub regional body.
Reports on the two Countries were presented to the Heads of State and Government on Wednesday March 23rd, by ECOWAS President, Excellency James Victor Gbeho during his annual report.
The membership of Guinea was rescinded by ECOWAS soon after Guinea’s military took power on Dec. 23 in a bloodless coup which followed the death of long-time President Lansana Conte, who ruled the country for 24 years.
The suspension was announced by former ECOWAS President Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas in a communiqué, part of which outlined the parameters of the suspension such as barring the country from key decision-making meetings of heads of state and government and ministry level sessions.
The Republic of Niger was suspended from ECOWAS following its failure to
Comply with the 17th October 2009 Decision of Heads of State and Government to
Postpone the legislative elections of Tuesday, 20th October 2009.
The suspension of the Countries was conditional: for it to be in force until constitutional legality is restored in the countries, in accordance with the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy
and Good Governance.
“The two Countries have met all the conditions relating to their reinstatements to the sub regional body”. Said Alhaji I.B. Kargbo.
Reinstating the two Countries, outgoing ECOWAS Chairman Nigeria’s President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan expressed delight at the two Countries for fulfilling ECOWAS Conditions, and warmly welcomed them back.
As from now, the two Countries will begin to enjoy all the facilities, benefits and privileges of the Sub regional body.
Also on Wednesday, the Central African Republic of Chad was given an observer status in ECOWAS.
Sierra Leone’s Information and Communications Minister Hon. Alhaji Ibrahim Ben Kargbo said Chad will now be allowed to attend ECOWAS programs and meetings in an observer capacity.
Pasco Gerald Temple, Information Attaché, & Ralph Ese Donnu Sawyerr, Presidential Press Officer, Abuja, Nigeria
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