The 66th summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has commenced in Abuja, Nigeria, with the notable absence of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The three nations, led by military juntas, have cut ties with the regional bloc, accusing it of imposing unjust sanctions following their respective coups.
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who currently chairs ECOWAS, is presiding over the meeting. Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is expected to brief attendees on his mediation efforts with the three absent states, a follow-up to discussions at the last summit.
Key topics on the agenda include addressing regional security threats, enforcing payment of the community levy by member states, and advancing the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme, which promotes free movement of people and goods.
Founded in 1975, ECOWAS has grown into West Africa’s principal political authority, comprising nations like Ghana, Ivory Coast, Benin, and The Gambia. Amid escalating security and political crises, the bloc’s role in maintaining regional stability has become increasingly critical.
