The Decline of ECOWAS’ Regional Influence

Summary Points:

ECOWAS Stance on Coups:

Imposed sanctions and threatened military action against coups in West Africa.
Unintended consequences: Strengthened juntas, harmed civilians. ECOWAS Fissures:

Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger exited ECOWAS, forming Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
AES seeks economic integration but faces challenges due to lower GDP contribution. Intraregional Trade Impact:

Landlocked nations like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger heavily rely on intraregional trade.
Exiting ECOWAS could increase trade costs, affecting economies. Economic Resilience and Growth:

Despite challenges, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger show economic growth.
Dependent on regional trade and Moroccan infrastructure projects for development. West African Geopolitics:

Growing anti-French sentiment; shifting alliances towards Russia.
ECOWAS sanctions have affected economic ties and political dynamics. US and China in West Africa:

US seeks to empower AU, address Islamic insurgencies.
China increases economic and potentially military presence, challenging US influence. ECOWAS Challenges and Criticisms:

Nigeria's waning influence weakens ECOWAS.
Accusations of double standards in addressing democratic regression. Future of ECOWAS and Regional Stability:

Additional Information to Remember:

What is ECOWAS? The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a regional political and economic union of fifteen countries located in West Africa. Its mission is to promote economic integration, peace, stability, and development in the region.
ECOWAS has traditionally played a critical role in addressing political crises and supporting democratic transitions in West Africa.
The effectiveness of ECOWAS in dealing with recent coups and maintaining regional stability is under scrutiny due to internal challenges and external geopolitical shifts.

Title : The Decline of ECOWAS’ Regional Influence

Author : Mohanasakthivel J

Publication Date : 21 March 2024

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