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this Economic Community of West African States The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) has been in the news lately – mostly for negative reasons.
The group is facing its biggest crisis since its creation in 1975. Three of its 15 countries (Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali) have left the group and formed an alternative organization, the Alliance of Sahel States.
Although the Economic Community of West African States A meeting was held On July 7, the heads of state and government of its member states held a Parallel Sessions In Niamey, the capital of Niger.
These three countries swear No return to the Economic Community of West African States.
Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have several things in common: They are all former French colonies currently led by military governments.
At Conversation Africa, we have been working with academic experts to gain insights into the impact of the breakaway group and the future of ECOWAS. Here are five of our must-read articles on developments in West Africa.
On July 26, 2023, Niger’s Presidential Guard detained President Mohamed Bazoum, and the commander of the Presidential Guard, General Abdelrahman Kiyani, declared himself leader.
In response, ECOWAS imposed sanctions on Niger. It also threatened military action against the junta. Olumba Ezenwa and Olayinka Ajala explain How the threat of military action prompted Burkina Faso and Mali (both under military rule and ECOWAS sanctions) to form an alliance with Niger and sign a mutual defense pact.
read more:
ECOWAS: West African trade bloc shaken as three members quit to form own alliance
Before the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) fell into a political crisis, member states of the regional organization had been talking about creating a common currency.
But the plan suffered a blow on February 11, 2024, when General Abdelrahman Ziani, head of Niger’s military junta, spoke of the possibility of establishing a common currency between the breakaway countries. analyze The potential impact and feasibility of this move.
read more:
Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger hint at launching a new West African currency: What it needs to succeed
With the ECOWAS membership reduced from 15 to 12, this has important implications for the free flow of goods and services across the region.
When Niger imposed a border blockade to sanction a military coup, there was a foretaste of what this would mean for the region.
Olivier Walter Set off The closure of borders between Sahel countries and coastal West African countries has had disastrous consequences for the regional economy.
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Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso withdraw from ECOWAS, West African trade will be hit
Opting out of the regional bloc also raises questions about the impact it will have on the ability of citizens of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger to move freely around the region. The ECOWAS arrangement allows citizens to move freely between countries in the region without visas and with future rights to reside and start businesses.
Franzisca Zanker, Amanda Bisong and Leonie Jegen debate The three countries would lose a lot if mobility were reduced by their withdrawal from ECOWAS.
read more:
Free movement in West Africa: Three countries leaving ECOWAS could face immigration barriers
In an effort to find a solution, ECOWAS has authorized Senegalese President Basilou Fayé to serve as special mediator for the breakaway country, as part of the decisions reached at the recent summit of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.
Before the summit, Olayinka Ajala Identified There are six steps ECOWAS leadership can take to end divisions and restore confidence in the regional bloc.
read more:
ECOWAS: 6 steps leaders can take to restore stability and growth in West Africa
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