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Nigeria Abuja 2023 | Pressekonferenz Afrikanische Union & ECOWAS
Image: Ben Curtis/AP Photo/picture alliance

Economic Community of West African States

The 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a regional political and economic bloc. The group is facing an existential crisis after Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger announced their intention to leave.

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Reports & Analysis

Leaders of ECOWAS countries pose on a red carpet at a summit in Abuja

ECOWAS is under pressure to reform

ECOWAS is under pressure to reform

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is in crisis mode and observers are calling for profound reforms.
PoliticsApril 17, 2024
A trader approaches the closed Niger-Nigeria border in Jibia

Reopened Nigeria-Niger border promises trade

Reopened Nigeria-Niger border promises trade

Trade has resumed through the Niger-Nigeria border — and a Chinese-funded railway promises to further boost the economy.
TradeApril 5, 2024
Svenja Schulze speaks with two African women

Germany aims to confront extremism in Sahel region

Germany aims to confront extremism in Sahel region

In Burkina Faso, Development Minister Schulze wants to show a willingness to speak with the ruling military junta.
PoliticsMarch 3, 2024
General Mohamed Toumba, who wears military uniform, sunglasses and a green miitary beret, raises his hands to the thousands of people cheering him in a stadium in Niger's capital Niamey.

How will Niger benefit from lifted ECOWAS sanctions?

How will Niger benefit from lifted ECOWAS sanctions?

West Africa's regional bloc has reversed key sanctions on military-ruled Niger. Will anything change for Nigeriens?
PoliticsFebruary 27, 2024
Opposition supporters walk next to a burning barricade during demonstrations in Dakar, Senegal

Senegal: Will election delay U-turn appease protesters?

Senegal: Will election delay U-turn appease protesters?

Can Senegal maintain its reputation as one of the strongest democracies in coup-hit West Africa?
PoliticsFebruary 16, 2024
Senegalese demonstrators shout slogans after they were pushed back by riot police

Will Senegal's delayed vote further destabilize West Africa?

Will Senegal's delayed vote further destabilize West Africa?

The postponement of Senegal's presidential election could have major consequences for the entire region.
PoliticsFebruary 10, 2024
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In the spotlight

Senegalese demonstrators shout slogans on the streets of the capital Dakar.

Is Senegal's democracy under threat?

Senegal is considered one of West Africa's most stable democracies. But an election delay threatens to erode gains.
PoliticsFebruary 6, 2024
Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo looks on during the 64th Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

ECOWAS 'weaker' as Sahel trio quit the bloc

Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso have cut ties with ECOWAS, a key body in a region hit by coups and security crises.
PoliticsJanuary 30, 2024
In Niger, protesters demanding the departure of the French ambassador

Has the EU's Africa policy failed after wave of coups?

Europe seems to have ever fewer options as it watches West African states go through coup after coup.
PoliticsAugust 31, 2023