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Radio France Internationale
Radio France Internationale
World
RFI

West African group Ecowas turns 50 amid struggle to stay united

A sign celebrating 50 years of Ecowas is seen at the launch of anniversary celebrations in Accra on April 22 2025. AFP - NIPAH DENNIS

Celebrations marking 50 years of the Economic Community of West African States – known as Ecowas – began in Ghana this week, but the mood was far from jubilant. The region’s main political and economic bloc finds itself at a crossroads after losing three key members.

Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger all walked away from the group in January, dealing a major blow to an organisation already struggling with security threats and economic challenges.

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