ECOWAS in turmoil

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is facing a new crisis as former chairman and president of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embalo, refuses to resign despite his mandate ending on February 27, 2025. Embalo, who once criticized the coup plotters in the Sahel on behalf of ECOWAS, is now opposing the organization and even excluding its mediation delegation. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a regional economic union founded on May 28, 1975, with the aim of promoting the economic integration of its member states. It includes 15 countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo. ECOWAS aims to create a single large trading bloc, raise living standards and promote economic development. It also plays an important role in regional peacekeeping and security. Recent initiatives include promoting SMEs for regional growth and developing the rice value chain. Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger officially completed their withdrawal on January 29, 2025, after military governments in these states announced they would leave the community. The withdrawal highlights the challenges facing ECOWAS and the need for international engagement in the region. ECOWAS is currently facing several challenges that are affecting its stability and effectiveness. In recent years, there have been several coups in member states such as Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, leading to a loss of confidence in the organization. ECOWAS has imposed sanctions on countries that violate democratic principles. These measures, such as Nigeria cutting off electricity supplies, have aggravated the economic situation in the region. The exit of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger has weakened the community and shows the dissatisfaction of some countries with ECOWAS. Many West Africans perceive ECOWAS as an organization that primarily serves the interests of diplomats and governments without taking into account the needs of the population. The cost of a daily nutritious diet in countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger is 110% higher than the daily minimum wage in the region, which places a significant burden on people's living conditions. One thing meshes with the other, like gears. France is involved in ECOWAS in some ways.  France has reiterated its full support for ECOWAS decisions, particularly regarding military operations to stabilize the region. France has significant economic interests in West Africa, including dependence on uranium imports from countries such as Niger, which were part of ECOWAS. French ministers have repeatedly stressed that they support ECOWAS's actions to promote security and stability in the region. But it is not just about security and stability, at least not for the West African countries. It is more about maintaining and strengthening France's influence. France deserves ECOWAS. @nirth africa journal