ECOWAS at 50: West African bloc facing jihadist violence and military coups

ECOWAS at 50: West African Bloc Confronts Jihadist Violence and Military Coups

As the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) marks its 50th anniversary, the regional bloc faces unprecedented challenges, including the rise of jihadist violence and a wave of military coups that threaten its unity and longstanding efforts to promote stability and economic integration in West Africa.

ECOWAS at a Crossroads

Founded in 1975, ECOWAS has played a significant role in fostering regional integration, economic cooperation, and collective security in West Africa. The bloc, encompassing 15 member states until recently, has often taken the lead in addressing conflicts and supporting democratic transitions in the region.

Half a century on, however, the group’s unity and effectiveness are being put to the test. Persistent jihadist insurgencies in the Sahel—especially in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—have destabilized the region, challenged national governments, and undermined both economic progress and security. The political landscape has further shifted as military coups have toppled civilian governments in several member states, exacerbating political volatility.

Splits and Secessions

The most visible sign of ECOWAS’ current difficulties is the recent departure of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. These three Sahelian countries, each ruled by military juntas following a series of coups in recent years, announced in early 2024 their decision to quit ECOWAS. This move has raised questions about the bloc’s future cohesiveness and its ability to respond to transnational threats.

The breakaway nations have instead formed what they call the “Confederation of Sahel States”—a separate alliance aimed at deepening cooperation among themselves, particularly in areas of security and counterterrorism efforts. Their withdrawal marks a significant shift for ECOWAS, reducing its geographical scope and potentially weakening its status as a unified regional actor.

Leaders of ECOWAS have warned that the bloc faces a real risk of “disintegration” if current divisions are not resolved, emphasizing that regional unity is crucial in the face of rising cross-border jihadist violence.

Jihadist Violence and Security Threats

Jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State have gained ground in the central Sahel over the past decade, exploiting weak state security and regional fragmentation. Multiple states—including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—have struggled to reassert control over vast rural areas, while violence has spilled into neighboring coastal nations and displaced millions.

A recent ECOWAS report card highlighted the region’s bold trade experiments and achievements in economic integration, but underscored that enduring security crises threaten to unravel decades of progress.

The Road Ahead

The “divorce” between the Sahelian states and ECOWAS has prompted calls for dialogue and reconciliation, with some observers suggesting that efforts to bridge the gap could avert further fragmentation. Regional and international actors continue to monitor the situation closely, with an eye on both the security implications and the potential for diplomatic solutions.

As ECOWAS commemorates its 50th anniversary, its leaders face the challenge of adapting to a shifting landscape while reaffirming the core mission of collective stability, economic growth, and political cooperation. What comes next for ECOWAS will be critical not only for West Africa but for the broader continent’s trajectory toward peace and integration.

Keywords: ECOWAS, West Africa, 50th anniversary, military coups, jihadist violence, Sahel, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Confederation of Sahel States, regional integration, security, economic cooperation.