Appreciable Detente Measures…

After several months of diplomatic tension between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the military regimes that overthrew the constitutional governments in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, calm seems to be returning at snail pace. The reasons behind the sudden twist emanates from ECOWAS decision to put dialogue first, sanctions second and military option as last resort. To achieve the desired results, the West African bloc has taken several important measures aimed at bringing the three countries to the dialogue table. Some of these measures include;
The suspension of the “activation” and “deployment” of the regional standby force that was on the alert and ready to restore constitutional order in Niger. Days after the coup, Heads of State of the West African regional bloc meeting in Abuja (Nigeria) on July 30, 2023, under the auspices of President Bola Tinubu had given coup plotters in Niger a-week ultimatum for them to return to constitutional order. But the deadline of August 6, 2023 elapsed without the military authorities being deterred by the threats. 
The deactivation was followed by the lifting of economic, travel and commercial sanctions imposed on the three countries, Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso. Days after the coup, leaders of regional bloc had taken a decision suspending all links with coup leaders until the ousted democratically elected governments were re-installed. Months after, the sanctions which in some cases were extended to family members of some leaders had been very drastic especially on the common man who spent several days without basic needs like electricity, water and medical attention.
Re-instating of Niger and other two countries seats at the general assembly of ECOWAS has been anoth...