ECONOMIC COMMUNITY OF WEST AFRICAN STATES

Latest Context

Recently, in addressing the aftermath of the coup in Niger, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has emerged at the forefront of international attention due to its active involvement. This military coup ousted the democratically elected President that raised alarm bells globally.

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

• In French, it is also known as CEDEAO. It is a regional intergovernmental organization set up in 1975.
• It was created through the Lagos Treaty. Its objective is to foster economic integration, cooperation, and development among West African nations.
• Its secretariat is headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria.
• Member States: It consists of 15 member states namely, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote d’ Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau Senegal, and Togo.

• Primary Goals and Objectives

  • Promoting a borderless region administered by democratic principles, the rule of law, and good governance.
  • Fostering economic integration among member states.
  • Facilitating the free movement of people, goods, and services.
  • Increasing regional cooperation in many sectors, including industry, transport, energy, and finance.
  • Meeting the security and political challenges through collaboration and conflict resolution.

• Achievements and Initiatives 

• The establishment of a regional peacekeeping force known as the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), which played pivotal roles in resolving conflicts in Liberia and Sierra Leone during the 1990s and early 2000s.
• To create a common currency, fostering economic integration and trade, it launched the ECOWAS Single Currency Initiative.
• Facilitating the efforts to combat terrorism, human trafficking, and organized crime through joint initiatives and collaboration.

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