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

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

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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News

December 15, 2024

African coup-hit states get more time to rethink ECOWAS exit

Skip next section Reports & Analysis

Reports & Analysis

NDC flagbearer and former President John Mahama (left) and ruling NPP candidate and current Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia (right)

Ghana 2024 election: Is the peace pact in jeopardy?

Ghana 2024 election: Is the peace pact in jeopardy?

There are fears of increased electoral violence in the December election as the main opposition party refuses to sign.
PoliticsSeptember 17, 2024
ECOWAS leaders attending a meeting in Abuja, Nigeria on February 24, 2024

Are we seeing the end of ECOWAS?

Are we seeing the end of ECOWAS?

With some of its members leaving the bloc, is the Economic Community of West African States slowly disintegrating?
PoliticsJuly 22, 2024
Police officers in Kenya stand on the street in uniform during protests on July 2, 2024.

AfricaLink News: 10 July 2024

AfricaLink News: 10 July 2024

Mali: ECOWAS withdrawal irreversible +++ Kenya: Officers linked to protesters' abductions will be prosecuted
MigrationJuly 10, 202403:08 min
Workers from Niger and China are seen on the construction site of an oil pipeline in Gaya, Niger, in October 2022

Benin gives green light for Niger's oil exports to China

Benin gives green light for Niger's oil exports to China

After Benin blocked crude oil exports for months, a tense standoff appears to have been resolved with China's mediation.
PoliticsMay 16, 2024
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
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Embedded external element

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In the spotlight

Svenja Schulze speaks with two African women

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
Opposition supporters walk next to a burning barricade during demonstrations in Dakar, Senegal

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?

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