In a few weeks, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will mark its 50th anniversary. Established on May 28, 1975, through the Treaty of Lagos, the bloc was formed with a bold vision: to foster economic integration and create a single trading union for West African nations.
Nigeria, then under the leadership of military head of state General Yakubu Gowon, played a central role in founding the union. As West Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, Nigeria has continued to serve as the main pillar of the organization.
However, five decades on, ECOWAS finds itself at a crossroads. The unity it once aspired to is now under threat, with internal political divisions, fragile economies, and external influences testing its strength.
Integration falters as politics takes centre stage
The original mission of ECOWAS focused on regional economic cooperation. It aimed to achieve “collective self-sufficiency” by promoting trade, eliminating tariffs, and ultimately creating a single currency. But the region is still far from these goals.
Despite countless summits and planning sessions, the dream of a single ECOWAS currency has remained elusive. The much-talked-about “eco” has failed to take off, with member countries divided over timelines, technical frameworks, and political control.
In recent years, ECOWAS has expanded its role from economic matters to mediating political conflicts, especially as democratic governance across the region weakens. But its political interventions have sparked tensions and accusations of overreach.
Recent exits expose deeper fractures
In January 2024, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—three Sahel countries now led by military juntas—formally announced their withdrawal from ECOWAS. Their decision came after the bloc threatened sanctions and military intervention over unconstitutional changes in leadership.
These countries accused ECOWAS of siding with Western powers and interfering in their internal affairs. They have since pivoted towards stronger military and diplomatic ties with Russia, deepening the ideological rift in the region.
In Guinea Bissau, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló reportedly rejected an ECOWAS delegation sent to mediate the country’s political crisis. He too is suspected of warming up to Russia for support, echoing the stance of the Sahel trio.
This growing trend suggests an ongoing proxy battle between Russia and the West in the region. As external powers compete for influence, ECOWAS is caught in the middle—struggling to assert unity and neutrality.
Economic hardship fuels discontent
Beyond politics, economic challenges continue to plague member states. Nigeria is battling a severe cost-of-living crisis. Ghana, once hailed for its fiscal discipline, is also grappling with inflation and debt. Many other member states face similar problems, which limit their ability to commit fully to regional goals.
Ivory Coast stands out as a rare bright spot, with relative economic and political stability. But one success story is not enough to hold a region together.
The gap between ambition and delivery is glaring. After 50 years, ECOWAS has not achieved full economic integration, and cross-border movement of goods and services remains frustratingly slow due to bureaucratic hurdles and inconsistent trade policies.
Still, there have been key victories
Despite these setbacks, ECOWAS has made some significant strides in peacekeeping and conflict resolution. In 2017, it led efforts to remove former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh after he refused to concede electoral defeat. The combined pressure from Nigeria and Senegal forced him into exile and preserved democracy in The Gambia.
The organization also played vital roles in resolving civil wars in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Ivory Coast. These interventions saved thousands of lives and restored stability in countries once torn apart by violence.
What ECOWAS must do now
As ECOWAS turns 50, there is an urgent need to rebuild trust, reinvigorate its founding goals, and prevent further disintegration.
First, diplomacy must be prioritised. The three Sahel nations that left should be engaged through peaceful dialogue, not isolation. ECOWAS should show flexibility and acknowledge the internal struggles of each state, rather than impose harsh sanctions.
Second, member states must recommit to true democracy. Many governments within the bloc still use anti-democratic practices—suppressing opposition, rigging elections, and extending power unlawfully. These actions weaken the bloc’s moral authority and embolden coup plotters.
To safeguard democracy, ECOWAS must move from rhetoric to results. It should hold member states accountable for fair governance while leading by example.
Third, economic integration must no longer be delayed. The idea of a single currency should be revived with a realistic, transparent roadmap. Trade barriers between countries should be dismantled, and infrastructure investments should be accelerated to make intra-African commerce easier.
Conclusion: Time to unite or fall apart
ECOWAS has come too far to fall apart now. Its survival depends on bold leadership, renewed unity, and a return to the values that inspired its creation.
Countries like Nigeria, as founding members and regional giants, must play a stabilising role—offering leadership, not just in words but through action.
The coming months will test the bloc’s resilience. The choice is clear: either strengthen the union or watch it slowly unravel under the weight of political division and economic stagnation.
At 50, ECOWAS has the opportunity to rewrite its story—and prove that unity in West Africa is still possible.
