ECOWAS

Nigeria has deployed 86 troops to an ECOWAS peace mission in Guinea-Bissau. The country is noted as one of the largest troop contributors to ECOWAS peace support operations in West Africa, having provided personnel and resources for missions in Liberia, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau.

West African leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to launching the ECO single currency in 2027, with a phased approach requiring member states to meet macroeconomic convergence criteria to join the monetary union at its launch.

The article criticizes ECOWAS for focusing on reducing airfares instead of investing in regional railways and coastal transport systems, arguing the organization is inactive. The author calls for collective wisdom over 'shared amnesia' to address regional transportation needs.

ECOWAS confirmed the 2027 launch of the ECO currency at its July 2026 summit in Sierra Leone. The rollout will be multi-speed, with only 'ready' member states adopting it first, and Ghana is part of the core group.

The 69th ECOWAS summit took place in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where Julius Maada Bio urged for significant reforms. Senegal's Head of State assumed the rotating ECOWAS presidency, and Guinea criticized the organization's recent sanctions.

Nigeria has welcomed ECOWAS’ endorsement of the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline Project, highlighting the signing of an intergovernmental agreement as a significant step for regional energy security, economic integration, and industrial development.

Ecowas approved a $25 billion pipeline to transport natural gas from Nigeria to Morocco through 13 West African countries, aiming to boost regional gas exports. The project, led by Nigeria and Morocco, will deliver 30 billion cubic meters of gas annually, with half destined for European markets.

Shettima departs Abuja for the ECOWAS Summit in Freetown. The summit will focus on policy decisions, strategic resolutions, and reaffirming commitments to peace, democracy, economic growth, and regional integration.

Mali and Niger's foreign ministers accused neighboring countries of harboring and financing terrorist groups during a Senegal forum on 21 April 2026. The three AES states—Mali, Niger, and another unnamed nation—formally withdrew from ECOWAS in January 2025 and established a 5,000-strong joint force outside the bloc’s structures.

President Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to regional integration as the new headquarters of ECOWAS, built by China, was inaugurated. Tinubu called for a transition from a regional market to a regional production base.

Mr. Sanusi urged ECOWAS to reconcile with Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, stating their withdrawal has weakened regional integration, security cooperation, and economic opportunities in West Africa.