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The Latest Breaking News from ECOWAS

Sahel countries navigate uncertainty following split from Ecowas bloc

Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso face the task of untangling themselves from West Africa’s main regional bloc, Ecowas, after officially cutting ties this week. The six-month window to reverse their withdrawal expired on Tuesday. With no sign of a return, both sides must work out what the split means for…

Radio France Internationale

‘The matter is in his hands alone’: president of Sierra Leone urged to ban FGM as court rules it tantamount to torture

The Ecowas court of justice has ordered the West African country to criminalise female genital mutilation after hearing the case of a woman brutally forced to undergo the practice

The Guardian - UK

'Human Shield': Niger's Ousted President Held By Junta

President Mohamed Bazoum has been languishing for two years along with his wife in Niger's presidential palace since his ouster by a junta, which is using them as human shields to avert foreign military intervention to free them, according to the couple's lawyers.

International Business Times

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Morocco's Atlantic Gambit: Linking Restive Sahel To Ocean

A planned trade corridor linking the landlocked Sahel to the Atlantic is at the heart of an ambitious Moroccan project to tackle regional instability and consolidate its grip on disputed Western Sahara.

International Business Times

Sierra Leone's President Bio to be the next ECOWAS chairman with region in turmoil

Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio has been chosen to be the next chairman of the West African economic bloc, ECOWAS

The Independent UK

Togo’s citizens want to leave Ecowas – new survey suggests why

A survey of Togolese citizens recently looked into perceptions of their government’s handling of the terrorist threat in the northern region and of the Alliance of Sahel States – Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. The survey was carried out by Afrobarometer, an independent, pan-African research network, in partnership with the…

The Conversation

At 50, West African Bloc Teeters Amid Shifting Alliances, Security Woes

Leaders of ECOWAS are gathering on Wednesday to celebrate 50 years since its formation and are expected to address regional security challenges as the continent also seeks answers in the face of US trade tariffs and aid cuts.

International Business Times

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Armed groups are invading Benin’s forest reserves. Why and what to do about it

Benin’s Pendjari Biosphere Reserve, also called Pendjari National Park, and its surroundings have been targeted by non-state armed groups since 2019.

The Conversation

‘A step too far’: Mali military’s move to hold on to power prompts revolt

Civic spaces are shrinking under Goita’s rule, democracy activists say, as the military suspends ‘political activity’.

Al Jazeera

West African group Ecowas turns 50 amid struggle to stay united

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.

Radio France Internationale

I.Coast's Barred Opposition Leader Says Is Party's Only Presidential Candidate

Ivory Coast's main opposition leader Tidjane Thiam, struck off the electoral list in a row over his nationality, told AFP Wednesday his party would not replace him as its candidate in October's presidential election.

International Business Times

Snakes, ‘border madness’ and solo trips: five Nigerian female travellers on their top tips and trickiest moments

Whether it’s driving solo from London to Lagos, a month on a motorbike or vanlife in east Africa, these influencers are sharing their adventures – and helping others to negotiate the difficulties of a ‘weak’ passport

The Guardian - UK

Niger’s junta withdraws from Lake Chad anti-Islamist force

Coalition of former allies Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria fought armed insurgents including Boko Haram

The Guardian - UK

Niger junta sets out five-year transition to constitutional rule

Niger's ruling junta said there would be a five-year transition to constitutional rule starting from Wednesday, in an announcement during a signing ceremony for a new transition charter.

Radio France Internationale

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The Independent UK

A West African mission sent to Guinea-Bissau to resolve dispute leaves following president's threats

A political mission sent to Guinea-Bissau by West Africa’s regional bloc to resolve an electoral dispute has left the country

The Conversation

Ecowas breakup could push up food prices and worsen hunger in west Africa

The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) lost three of its founding members on 29 January 2025. Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger comprised 16% of the bloc’s population of 424 million and 7% of its economy.

The Conversation

Why Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger’s new plan to tackle extremist violence is likely to fail

The military-led nations of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger officially withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) on January 29. They had announced their intention to leave one year ago, shortly after establishing a new defence pact called the Alliance des États du Sahel (AES).

The Independent UK

What's ahead for a 50-year-old West African bloc after 3 junta-led countries left the group?

A 50-year-old West Africa regional bloc is facing significant challenges after three junta-led countries — Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso — formally left the group, known as ECOWAS

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Al Jazeera

With France’s military influence in Africa gone, can it rely on soft power?

The French language and a CFA currency tying 14 countries to France’s treasury continue to have big effects.

Top News

Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso Withdraw From ECOWAS Bloc

Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso withdraw from ECOWAS, forming their own alliance, impacting regional dynamics.

Al Jazeera

Military governments lead West African trio out of ECOWAS regional bloc

ECOWAS has become a target for military governments that have taken over Burkina, Mali and Niger.

The Independent UK

3 coup-hit West African nations formally leave ECOWAS in an unprecedented disintegration

The three junta-led West African nations of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have formally withdrawn from the regional bloc known as ECOWAS

Radio France Internationale

Three Sahel nations exit West African bloc as regional politics shift

Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso were to officially quit the West African bloc Ecowas Wednesday, severing ties after years of strained relations that have reshaped trade routes in the Sahel.

International Business Times

Thousands Rally In Burkina, Mali And Niger To Cheer ECOWAS Exit

Thousands of people rallied in junta-led Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali on Tuesday to back their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States regional bloc, due to take effect Wednesday.

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