West Africa’s regional bloc ECOWAS is grappling with surging jihadist violence, military coups, poverty and climate change as it marks 50 years since its founding, its top official said Wednesday.
ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray told leaders gathered in Nigeria that the bloc is confronting unprecedented challenges, including terrorism and unconstitutional changes of government, but expressed optimism it can overcome them.
Jihadist attacks have surged this year in Nigeria and across the Sahel, including in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger — countries that have recently quit ECOWAS after coups and sanctions. The three have since formed their own alliance and strengthened ties with Russia, rejecting ECOWAS as no longer serving their interests.
Established on May 28, 1975, ECOWAS was created to promote regional integration, security and democratic governance. But 50 years on, military juntas in three founding states have left the bloc, and analysts warn insecurity is threatening its ability to lift millions from poverty.
“If you don’t have security, you can’t guarantee a robust economy in the region,” said Beverly Ochieng, an analyst at Control Risks in Dakar, Senegal.
Analysts also criticized ECOWAS for staying silent when leaders amend constitutions to extend their rule, encouraging military coups. In Togo, opposition parties called President Faure Gnassingbe’s new role as head of the Council of Ministers a constitutional coup that could indefinitely extend his rule.