ECOWAS Lifts All Sanctions Against Guinea. Conakry, Guinea — The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced the lifting of all sanctions against Guinea, effective immediately.
The decision comes after the election of former junta leader Mamady Doumbouya as President in December 2023, following the 2021 coup that ousted President Alpha Condé.
ECOWAS had imposed a range of sanctions, including financial and economic measures, on Guinea in response to the coup.
The sanctions were eased in February 2024, with the lifting of restrictions on financial transactions with ECOWAS member institutions.
The latest move marks the full reintegration of Guinea into all ECOWAS decision — making organs and other regional activities.
According to a statement by ECOWAS, the decision to lift all sanctions was made following the “successful holding “of a constitutional referendum in September and the presidential election in December.
The bloc congratulated Doumbouya on his election and encouraged him to pursue policies towards social cohesion, national unity, and inclusive prosperity of the Guinean people. Doumbouya was sworn in as president earlier this month before tens of thousands of supporters and several heads of state.
However, he has since cracked down on civil liberties and banned protests, leading to the arrest of political opponents and their subsequent trials or exile.
The lifting of sanctions is part of a broader regional approach to engage with military regimes in West Africa. It is also seen as a gesture of support for democratic governance in Guinea.
The Supreme Court of Guinea validated Doumbouya’s victory, attributing it to 86. 7 percent of the vote. Regional officials confirmed that Guinea’s reintegration into ECOWAS activities is a significant step towards regional stability and economic development.
However, the long — term implications of the lifting of sanctions remain to be seen, as concerns about the protection of human rights and the rule of law persist. Further details are expected as Guinea navigates its new relationship with ECOWAS and the international community.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
