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ECOWAS Approves Withdrawal of Military-Run States, Faces Challenges in West Africa

By Ephraim Agbo

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) concluded a crucial meeting in Abuja this week, addressing the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the regional bloc. The meeting, which took place from December 14 to December 16, 2024, focused on the rising political tensions in the region, with these three military-run states refusing ECOWAS’ demands to restore democratic governance.

In a significant move, ECOWAS approved the decision of the three countries to leave the bloc, a development set to take effect at the beginning of next year. This comes after the countries—whose leaderships were all taken over by military juntas—remained defiant in the face of ECOWAS sanctions and calls for a return to civilian rule.

“We are witnessing a turning point in the region’s history, as these states choose a different path,” said Ghanaian diplomat and African affairs expert, Shiru Abdullah, who was present at the talks. “This situation raises important questions about how ECOWAS will handle its relationship with these countries, and how it can maintain its cohesion moving forward.”

A key challenge that arose from these discussions involves the movement of citizens across borders. Under the ECOWAS protocol, citizens of member states can travel freely within the region. However, with these withdrawals, many people who have settled in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire could face difficulties in securing recognition and accessing services.

“This is a significant concern for the millions of West Africans who cross borders daily to trade and seek livelihood opportunities,” Abdullah explained. “Now, we must find a way to recognize their status and ensure that economic cooperation is not disrupted.”

Despite these setbacks, there are still opportunities for ECOWAS to show progress and resolve the region’s challenges. One of the most important projects discussed was the Lagos-Abidjan corridor—a 1,800-kilometer highway project that aims to link West African economies. This major infrastructure development is already underway, with significant progress seen in countries like Ghana and Nigeria.

Additionally, the issue of a single currency for West Africa, known as the “Eco,” continues to be a point of discussion. While the idea has been on the table for years, there is growing pressure for ECOWAS to move faster in implementing the shared currency to foster deeper economic integration.

“The region needs to move more decisively in this direction,” Abdullah said. “With the departure of these countries, there is an urgent need for the remaining member states to strengthen their unity and push for projects like the Eco to come to fruition.”

As ECOWAS navigates these challenges, its leadership is under increasing pressure to ensure that the region remains a force for political stability and economic progress, despite the evolving landscape of membership. The bloc now faces a critical juncture where its future depends on how effectively it can manage internal divisions and foster unity among its members.

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ECOWAS Approves Withdrawal of Military-Run States, Faces Challenges in West Africa

THE LAGOS STATE TASK FORCE HAS TAKEN

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