ECOWAS, the Economic Community of West African States, is one of the most important regional economic communities in Africa. It was founded in 1975 with the aim of promoting economic integration and political stability in West Africa. With 15 member states, ECOWAS plays a central role in the region’s economic development and security policy. In recent years, however, ECOWAS has faced increasing criticism, particularly regarding its response to political crises, the ECOWAS ultimatum to Niger, and its waning influence on military and economic developments in West Africa. Read all the latest news on ECOWAS from the Table.Briefings editorial team here. The Economic and Political Role of ECOWAS, ECOWAS was established to strengthen economic cooperation among its member states. Economic development was intended to be accelerated through the creation of a free trade zone, the introduction of common economic policies, and the promotion of infrastructure projects. Another goal is to stabilize the region through security cooperation and crisis prevention. The Economic Community of West African States has therefore established its own peacekeeping force, the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF), to respond to security crises. However, ECOWAS repeatedly faces significant challenges. Economic integration is progressing only slowly, and geopolitical crises threaten the organization’s political unity. Particularly controversial is the handling of political upheavals and military takeovers in some member states. Criticism of ECOWAS, ECOWAS has also faced criticism, particularly regarding its ability to act during political upheavals and crises in the region. In recent years, military coups have occurred in several member states, including Mali (2021), Burkina Faso (2022), and Niger (2023). ECOWAS imposed sanctions on the respective governments but was largely unable to influence the return to democracy. The ECOWAS Ultimatum to Niger One example that deserves special mention in this context is the ECOWAS ultimatum to Niger following the military coup in July 2023. The organization demanded the immediate reinstatement of the ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and even threatened military intervention should the military not step down within seven days. The threat represents a significant escalation, as ECOWAS had previously rarely threatened direct military intervention. The ultimatum issued by the Nigerien government was met with incomprehension and rejection both within Niger and in other ECOWAS member states. The military-led governments of Burkina Faso and Mali expressed their solidarity with Niger and declared that they would regard any military intervention as a “declaration of war.” Ultimately, ECOWAS did not carry out its threat, which was seen as a sign of weakness and further deepened internal divisions within the organization. ECOWAS and Niger: Uncertain Future of Relations The conflict between ECOWAS and Niger highlights the organization’s growing difficulties in achieving its political and economic goals. As a result of the sanctions imposed by the international community and the country’s resulting isolation, Niger is seeking alternative international partners, particularly in Russia and China. The growing influence of external actors is weakening ECOWAS and undermining its position as a leading force in West Africa. Another problem is Niger’s economic dependence on its neighbors. As a landlocked country, Niger is heavily reliant on trade routes through Nigeria and Benin. The trade blockades imposed by ECOWAS have severely worsened the country’s economic situation, while simultaneously intensifying criticism of ECOWAS, as the measures primarily affect the civilian population. Geopolitical Tensions and the Future of ECOWAS, the current internal crises and geopolitical shifts in the region are calling the future of ECOWAS into question. The organization, originally focused on economic integration, is increasingly confronted with security challenges. The growing influence of external actors such as Russia and China demonstrates that the West African region has become a geopolitical flashpoint. The coming years will be decisive in determining whether ECOWAS refocuses more strongly on its original goals or continues to lose credibility. The organization faces the difficult task of striking a balance between economic integration, political stability, and security responsibilities. Should it fail to meet this challenge, its position as a central institution in West Africa risks being weakened. The ECOWAS ultimatum to Niger, the growing criticism of the organization, and the geopolitical challenges make it clear that ECOWAS has a future only if it overcomes its internal differences and develops a unified strategy. Otherwise, the Economic Community of West African States risks fracturing under the political tensions in the region.
Dakar International Forum: How the West, the AES countries and ECOWAS are seeking common ground
Delegations from 37 countries gathered in the Senegalese capital for the opening of the long-established security conference. But with only two heads of state in attendance, the 10th peace forum drew a less high-profile lineup than in previous years. Germany’s delegation met directly with the coup governments in the Sahel, while ECOWAS sought to play the role of mediator.
By Lucia Weiß