The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS faces major challenges. Rising insecurity, terrorist attacks, constitutional crises and the withdrawal of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso are undermining regional cooperation and jeopardising West African integration. To overcome these unprecedented crises, the ECOWAS Commission is implementing a flexible and coordinated strategy, mobilising its forces and partners.
Established in 1975, ECOWAS, the vital institution for West African peace and security, is facing a pivotal and challenging period. The region is grappling with escalating insecurity and terrorism from groups like Boko Haram, ISGS, and AQIM, which the UN links to over 6 million displaced persons in 2023. This security crisis is worsened by economic difficulties and constitutional disruptions.
« Our region currently faces an unprecedented convergence of challenges. In addition to the persistent threats to peace, security, and the widespread issue of poverty, we are also grappling with a serious risk of disintegration. This is evident by the notification we received on January 29th from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, informing the Commission of their immediate intent to withdraw from ECOWAS. »
Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission – The Gambia
The regional political context is also a cause for serious concern. Over the past five years, stability has been undermined by unconstitutional changes of government in several Member States: in Mali (2020 and 2021), Guinea (2021), Burkina Faso (2022 and 2023), and Niger (2023). The fact that Benin narrowly escaped an attempted coup highlights the fragility of institutions, even in countries traditionally considered stable.
« Our nation has been confronted today by events of exceptional gravity. A group of soldiers, citing baseless grievances, launched a mutiny with the explicit intent of attacking the Republic’s institutions and destabilizing the country, thus threatening the democratic order. This action, had it succeeded, would have plunged our country into a catastrophic and fruitless endeavor. »
Patrice Talon, President of the Republic – Benin
ECOWAS, once envisioned as a primary economic engine for Africa with a GDP surpassing $628 billion, is currently facing considerable economic strain. Its capacity to drive regional integration is compromised, reflected by a drop in regional growth from 5.5% in 2019 to 3.9% in 2023. This economic downturn is largely attributable to political instability, armed conflict, climate shocks, and the imposition of sanctions on Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. These elements collectively hinder intra-regional trade and deter foreign investment.
ECOWAS is engaged in the transport sector, notably by focusing on the Abidjan–Lagos corridor. Negotiations are currently underway with partners to secure the necessary resources to improve and facilitate transportation along this vital West African coastal route.
Joël Ahofodji, Head of Information and Communication Division, ECOWAS – Benin
To address these challenges, the ECOWAS Commission has adopted both a collaborative and flexible approach, demonstrating that the region can overcome current crises while remaining a model of West African resilience. The institution is adapting its strategies and acting swiftly, with the mobilisation of a regional force, strengthened cooperation with partners, and the deployment of a comprehensive action plan to protect populations and restore stability.
