ACCRA, Ghana – May 28, 2025 — The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) marks its 50th anniversary today, celebrating five decades of regional integration, cooperation, and economic ambition. But as the bloc commemorates this historic milestone, its unity is facing one of the greatest challenges in its history.
Established on May 28, 1975, ECOWAS was the result of visionary leadership and intense diplomatic groundwork led by Togolese President Gnassingbé Eyadéma and Nigeria’s then-military leader, General Yakubu Gowon. The founding treaty was signed in Lagos by 15 West African nations, including Ghana, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, under the first presidency of Liberia’s then-leader, William Tubman.
The Lagos Treaty of 1975 was conceived as a blueprint to foster economic integration, free movement of people and goods, and long-term political cooperation. The idea was simple but ambitious: break down colonial-era borders and build a united West African economic powerhouse.
Regional Progress and Historic Milestones
Over the decades, ECOWAS has made significant strides. The bloc established visa-free travel for citizens within the member states, culminating in the 1990 abolition of personal identification card requirements for cross-border movement. It launched a regional passport, sought common monetary frameworks, and initiated peacekeeping missions in war-torn countries like Liberia and Sierra Leone through its military arm, ECOMOG.
The community has also served as a diplomatic mediator in several political transitions and electoral crises, reinforcing democratic norms and regional solidarity. Institutions such as the ECOWAS Parliament and ECOWAS Court of Justice have further solidified its governance framework.
But ECOWAS’s path has not been without setbacks. Political instability, corruption, terrorism, and economic disparities between member states have often slowed progress.
The Alliance of Sahel States and the Breaking Point
In 2023, that fragility reached a critical point. Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger — all facing military takeovers and rising insurgency threats — jointly announced their withdrawal from ECOWAS, forming a new bloc: the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
The three nations cut ties with long-time Western partners like the United States and France, accusing them of neocolonial interference. Instead, they pivoted toward alternative security partnerships — most notably with Russia.
In a joint communiqué at the time, the AES governments stated:
“We reject the political and economic pressures of ECOWAS, which no longer represents the interests of our people. Our new alliance seeks true sovereignty, regional security, and self-reliance.”
The departure of the three countries came after ECOWAS imposed sanctions and demanded a return to civilian rule in response to the coups in Mali (2021), Burkina Faso (2022), and Niger (2023). While ECOWAS argued it was defending democratic norms, critics within the AES accused the bloc of yielding to foreign pressure.
Economic Retaliation and Regional Trade Disruption
Tensions escalated further in recent weeks after the AES imposed a 0.5% import levy on ECOWAS goods entering their territories. The move directly contradicts ECOWAS’s long-standing policy of regional free trade and has created confusion and delays at border crossings in northern West Africa.
“This tariff undermines the core values of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS),” said Ghanaian economist Dr. Kojo Amankwah. “It threatens to fracture the region’s already fragile economic integration.”
Despite the dispute, ECOWAS responded with restraint. The bloc introduced transitional measures in 2024 that maintained visa-free movement and trade access, hoping to de-escalate the situation while still keeping the door open for reconciliation.
ECOWAS Leadership Weighs the Future in Accra
Currently, ECOWAS heads of state and ministers are meeting in Accra to mark the golden jubilee and discuss the future of the union in the wake of this internal rift. High on the agenda are strategies to manage the split, the viability of continued trade with AES states, and whether to revise ECOWAS protocols to accommodate the shifting political landscape.
Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, emphasized the need for unity during the opening address of the summit:
“This anniversary is not just a moment to celebrate the past, but to urgently reimagine our future. We must reaffirm our commitment to regional solidarity, even as we navigate disagreements and transitions.”
There are calls from civil society organizations and think tanks for ECOWAS to adopt a more flexible and inclusive model that prioritizes dialogue over sanctions.
“Punitive measures often backfire,” said Nigerian political analyst Ibrahim Musa. “ECOWAS must evolve with the times — shifting from an enforcement role to one that genuinely mediates and rebuilds trust.”
Legacy of Integration and the Road Ahead
Despite its recent turmoil, ECOWAS remains one of Africa’s most influential regional bodies. Its contributions to regional peacekeeping, trade liberalization, and mobility of citizens are widely recognized across the continent and internationally.
As the bloc enters its sixth decade, experts say the next phase will require not only political maturity but innovative strategies to tackle shared challenges — from climate change and security threats to youth unemployment and digital transformation.
“There is no going back on regionalism,” declared ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray during a commemorative press briefing. “Our strength lies in unity, and we will continue working to bring every West African nation under one inclusive umbrella — with dignity, peace, and prosperity for all.”
Conclusion
Fifty years since its founding, ECOWAS stands at a crossroads. Its achievements are undeniable, but the future of West African integration depends on its ability to adapt, reconcile differences, and reinforce a vision of unity that transcends political divisions.
As the leaders gather in Accra this week, the message is clear: the region’s destiny lies not in fragmentation, but in forging a common path forward — together.
