Experts Doubt ECOWAS Easing Sanctions on Juntas Will Have Impact

FILE - Supporters of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) hold up a banner as they celebrate Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger leaving the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in Niamey, Niger, Jan. 28, 2024.

The decision by West African regional bloc ECOWAS to suspend sanctions against Niger and to ease sanctions on Mali and Guinea has been mostly welcomed by regional political analysts. ECOWAS said its decision, announced Saturday, was based on humanitarian grounds and will pave the way for talks with the three countries’ military juntas. But some analysts are skeptical the decision will have much effect.