The announcement came after a meeting of the bloc's leaders in Abuja, Nigeria, on Saturday, February 24th, 2024. The sanctions were initially imposed in response to military coups d'état staged in the three countries in 2021, 2022, and 2023, respectively.

"The sanctions will be lifted with immediate effect," said ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray, following the meeting.

This decision comes amidst ongoing tensions within ECOWAS, as all three countries have since withdrawn their membership from the bloc. While the lifting of sanctions signals a potential easing of tensions, it remains unclear whether the countries will consider rejoining ECOWAS. (ILKHA)