ECOWAS Celebrates 50th Anniversary Amid Sahel States Tensions

May 28, 2025

2 minutes read

ECOWAS

On May 28, 1975, fifteen West African nations signed the Lagos Treaty, establishing the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Lagos, Nigeria. Spearheaded by Togolese President Gnassingbé Eyadéma and Nigerian leader Yakubu Gowon.

The treaty, under the leadership of Liberia’s William Tubman, aimed to promote free movement of goods and people.

By 1990, ECOWAS eliminated personal identification requirements for cross-border travel, fostering regional integration.

Challenges with the Alliance of Sahel States

Despite its achievements, ECOWAS faces significant hurdles. In 2024, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger announced their withdrawal from the bloc, forming the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

The AES severed ties with Western partners like the U.S. and France, turning to Russia for military support. The breakaway nations recently imposed a 0.5% import duty on ECOWAS goods, challenging the bloc’s free trade principles and straining relations.

ECOWAS’s Response and Future Steps

In response, ECOWAS outlined transitional guidelines to maintain policies like free trade and visa-free movement temporarily.

As discussions continue in Accra, member states are working to finalize measures and redefine ties with the AES nations. The bloc aims to preserve stability and cooperation across West Africa, despite growing tensions.

A Legacy of Cooperation Under Strain

ECOWAS 50-year journey has transformed West African trade and mobility, but the exit of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger tests its resilience.

The bloc’s commitment to unity faces challenges as the AES pursues divergent priorities. Ongoing talks in Accra will shape the future of regional cooperation, balancing economic integration with geopolitical shifts.

Related News:

Share:
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Related Links

Lionel-Messi-Inter-Miami

Messi Shines as Inter Miami Secures Playoff Spot

On September 24, 2025, Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to a 4-0 victory against New ...

Oyo

Olubadan Coronation: Oyo Governor Makes Early Return

On September 25, 2025, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde cut short his annual vacation to ...

IOM

151 Nigerians Evacuated from Sudan Conflict by IOM

On September 25, 2025, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) flew 151 Nigerians back from ...

Education

Nigeria Ensures Free Technical College Education

On September 24, 2025, Nigeria’s government vowed to keep tuition free at all Federal Technical ...

Latest News

Today in History

Error: cURL error 28: Connection timed out after 5001 milliseconds

Exchange Rate Per Dollar

AM Armenian Dram383.47
GH Ghana Cedi12.4
GM Gambian Dalasi74
GN Guinea Franc8,680
NG Nigerian Naira₦1,490.33
CF CFA Franc BEAC562.9412
25 Sep · CurrencyRate · USD
CurrencyRate.Today
Check: 25 Sep 2025 19:05 UTC
Latest change: 25 Sep 2025 19:00 UTC
API: CurrencyRate
Disclaimers. This plugin or website cannot guarantee the accuracy of the exchange rates displayed. You should confirm current rates before making any transactions that could be affected by changes in the exchange rates.
You can install this WP plugin on your website from the WordPress official website: Exchange Rates🚀

YOUR THOUGHTS

Let us know what you think

Contact the People’s Paper with feedback on stories and how we could make wapress.africa even better!

newsletter image

Stay up to date with the latest from West Africa Press

Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on WApress.

Subscribe Newsletter!

Be the first to receive our latest contents and more...

Need help?