Íæż½ã½ã

Latest news on ECOWAS, a regional political and economic union of fifteen countries located in West Africa. Its main goal is to achieve collective self-sufficiency for its member states by creating a single large trade bloc and fostering cooperation in various sectors. ECOWAS was established in 1975 with the signing of the Treaty of Lagos, and revised its treaty in 1993. ECOWAS also serves as a peacekeeping force in the region, intervening in cases of political instability and unrest.

In August 2023, ECOWAS ordered the activation of a standby force for possible use against the junta that took power in Niger in July, saying it wanted a peaceful restoration of democracy but all options including force were on the table. The bloc has imposed sanctions, travel bans and asset freezes on those preventing the return to power of democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, the ECOWAS chair, said he hoped that through collective effort they can bring about a peaceful resolution as a roadmap to restoring stability and democracy in Niger.

On 28 January 2024, Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso issued a joint statement announcing their immediate withdrawal from ECOWAS. The three countries, all of which are currently ruled by military juntas, accused the group of imposing 'illegal, illegitimate, inhumane and irresponsible sanctions' in an attempt to reverse the coups in their nations. ECOWAS responded in a statement that the three nations remained important members of the regional bloc and that they were 'committed to finding a negotiated solution to the political impasse'.