By SBM Intelligence
50 years after its founding in 1975 through the Treaty of Lagos, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) stands at a critical juncture. Initially established to foster economic integration, the bloc—now comprising 12 member states following the exit of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—has struggled to fulfil its mandate due to political instability and recurrent military coups.
Although ECOWAS revised its treaty in 1993 to prioritise peace and security, the region has remained plagued by conflict, weakening the bloc’s effectiveness. Nigeria’s internal crises—ranging from economic mismanagement to insurgency—have undermined its leadership role, and by extension, the credibility of ECOWAS.
Between 2015 and 2020, West Africa experienced a rare period without unconstitutional changes of government, suggesting ECOWAS was a credible protector of democracy within its sphere of influence. It recorded key successes, such as restoring constitutional rule in Mali (2012), facilitating the reinstatement of leadership in Burkina Faso (2015), and ensuring a peaceful transition in The Gambia (2017). However, since the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 coup in Mali, the bloc has lost its ability to enforce democratic norms. The juntas in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have not only resisted ECOWAS pressure but have also formally exited the bloc, threatening to shrink its population base by 76 million and losing over half its landmass.
These states have turned to external actors—especially Russia—for support. Moscow has deepened its presence through security and economic agreements, disinformation campaigns, and anti-French narratives, portraying ECOWAS as a neo-colonial instrument. China, Turkiye, and the UAE have also expanded their footprint in the region, often prioritising strategic and economic interests over governance or security.
Meanwhile, ECOWAS has struggled to respond effectively. Its peacekeeping arm, ECOMOG, has a mixed record, and the bloc’s consensus-driven decision-making process is slow and often reactive. Funding limitations, an overstretched secretariat, and weak enforcement mechanisms further hamper its impact. The 2023 Niger coup exposed these weaknesses, as the bloc delayed action and failed to deter the military regime despite threats of intervention.
While the breakaway Sahel Alliance (AES) openly rejects ECOWAS authority, it remains dependent on coastal ECOWAS nations for access to trade. Though plans to reroute through Morocco’s Atlantic ports exist, logistical and economic constraints persist.
As ECOWAS marks its 50th anniversary, it faces a legitimacy crisis. This golden milestone necessitates sober reflection and strategic recalibration rather than mere self-congratulation. To reclaim its legitimacy and assert meaningful leadership in West Africa, ECOWAS must undertake urgent institutional and strategic reforms.
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- SBM Intelligence is an Africa-focused market intelligence, security analysis and strategic consulting firm that exists to provide analysis of West Africa’s socio-political and economic situation
