At the 66th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States, 12 presidents gathered at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja. The meeting, chaired by a prominent figure, aimed to address growing tensions, particularly after Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger announced their withdrawal from the organization in January 2024.
These three nations cited concerns about ECOWAS deviating from its founding principles and succumbing to external pressures, notably in response to sanctions imposed following military coups. Consequently, they formed the Alliance of Sahel States, focusing on defense and mutual support while distancing themselves from traditional Western allies.
Burkina Faso’s introduction of a new biometric passport without the ECOWAS emblem in September 2024 reinforced its decision to withdraw, prompting speculations about ECOWAS’s future as it approaches its 50th anniversary in 2025. The session aimed to review sanctions on the withdrawing states and address diplomatic solutions to the political crises in these countries to safeguard innocent civilians from undue repercussions.
Besides discussing regional security concerns, such as terrorism in the Sahel and political unrest in member states, the Heads of State reviewed progress in transitioning military regimes to civilian governance. Additionally, they explored ways to expedite the adoption of the proposed ECO single currency within ECOWAS. The organization currently comprises Benin Republic, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. Further updates on the meeting are expected to be provided in due course.