Lagos: Fifty years ago, in May 1975, 15 West African nations united to form the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) with the signing of the Treaty of Lagos. This ambitious initiative aimed at fostering economic development, political cooperation, social solidarity, and peace across the subcontinent now stands as both a testament to regional solidarity and a reflection of the complexities of post-colonial Africa.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, as ECOWAS commemorates its 50th anniversary, there is a call to evaluate its journey, celebrating its achievements, confronting its challenges, and charting a future that benefits the people of West Africa. The regional bloc has made notable strides in peace and security through the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), which has played a significant role in stabilizing conflict zones across the region.
The ECOWAS protocol on the free movement of persons has facilitated the travel, trade, and employment opportunities for millions of West Africans across borders without the need for visas. Efforts towards economic integration have also been commendable, with initiatives like the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and the pursuit of a common currency and external tariff being significant milestones.
Despite these achievements, the sub-region has faced obstacles, including terrorism and armed insurgency in the Sahel, which have hindered unity and political stability. Recent military coups in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger have also posed challenges to ECOWAS’s democratic credentials.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently emphasized the urgent need for reforms, highlighting issues like political instability, economic disparities, and the necessity for stronger regional integration. Tinubu specifically noted the threats of unconstitutional rule, violent extremism, and ongoing struggles with poverty, lack of access to quality education, and unemployment. He stressed the importance of ECOWAS focusing on its people, investing in education and innovation, and reinforcing its commitment to democracy and good governance.
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), such as the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS) and the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), have been vocal about the need for reforms to strengthen the region. CDD Senior Fellow, Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim, expressed concern over the recent military coups, stating that they pose significant challenges to the bloc’s unity. He advocated for democratic consolidation and the importance of engagement with the Sahelian countries that have deviated from democracy.
Dr. Dauda Garuba, Director of CDD West Africa, acknowledged that while ECOWAS continues to serve the needs of West Africa, more efforts are required. He called for redefining treaties and protocols to ensure democracy flourishes in the region. Project Coordinator of WADEMOS, Paul Osei-Kuffour, highlighted the importance of innovative reforms and a coordinated response to cross-border security threats.
John Odah, Chairman of the CDD Board, urged civil society organisations to critically evaluate ECOWAS’s successes and shortcomings and support regional integration. He emphasized that democracy in West Africa deepens when democracy in individual countries deepens.
WADEMOS Advocacy officer, Austin Aigbe, warned against the dangers of democratic backsliding and the need to address tenure elongations and constitutional changes. He advocated for rethinking reforms to strengthen ECOWAS as a leading institution in Africa.
Experts advise that for ECOWAS to thrive, it must rebuild trust and democratic norms by revisiting governance protocols and reinforcing democratic institutions, ensuring it remains a force for integration and development in West Africa.
