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The Latest Breaking News from ECOWAS

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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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 Independent UK

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 Conversation

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

The Independent UK

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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.

Al Jazeera

West African Nations Withdraw From ECOWAS Regional Bloc

Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso withdraw from ECOWAS, forming a new security partnership. Challenges and implications for regional stability.

Top News

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.

Al Jazeera

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

The Independent UK

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.

Radio France Internationale

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.

International Business Times

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Radio France Internationale

Global push grows to free Niger’s former president Mohamed Bazoum

Niger's president Mohamed Bazoum has spent 550 days as a hostage of the military junta in the capital, Niamey. His lawyers say that his detention is setting a dangerous precedent and have launched a global campaign to have him released.

Radio France Internationale

Africa’s changing diplomacy as G20, Ecowas divisions and new global alliances loom

In this edition of the Spotlight on Africa podcast, experts and analysts delve into Africa's evolving diplomacy as the continent approaches 2025. Topics include South Africa's G20 leadership, the division within the West African bloc ECOWAS, and emerging partnerships with the US and China.

Radio France Internationale

Fears for the future in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso over Ecowas withdrawal

The withdrawal of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso – who have formed their own Alliance of Sahel States – from West African bloc Ecowas is set to take effect on 29 January, with security experts and members of the diaspora voicing concern over what lies ahead.

The Conversation

West Africa is the world’s new epicentre for terrorism – Nigeria is expanding its air force in response

When the Nigerian Air Force celebrated its 60th anniversary in May 2024, its spokesperson declared it was set to become the third largest air force in Africa within the next two years. This is based on the massive procurement and delivery of air assets and the capacity building programme of…

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The Conversation

West Africa could soon have a jihadist state – here’s why

The Sahel region of Africa, between the Sahara and the tropical savannahs to the south, has emerged as a significant base of groups that want to establish jihadist states.

The Conversation

West African military leaders prepare to exit Ecowas regional bloc, raising concerns for stability

Leaders of the west African regional grouping Ecowas approved the long-awaited withdrawal of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso from the bloc in December. The three countries have been granted a six-month grace period from January 29, when their exit becomes official, to reconsider their decision.

Radio France Internationale

Mali accuses Algeria of fuelling Sahel insecurity by supporting Tuareg rebels

As Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger prepare to withdraw from the West African bloc Ecowas, reports show an increase in instability in the region – partly due to a lack of coordination in the fight against jihadism – with Mali now accusing Algeria of supporting Tuareg rebel groups.

Radio France Internationale

Guinea opposition groups challenge military rule after missed deadline

Guinea's opposition and civil society groups say they will no longer recognise the country's transitional authorities after 31 December, when a promised return to constitutional rule was meant to take place.

Radio France Internationale

Ecowas bloc extends six-month grace period for departing Sahel states

West African leaders are giving the three Sahel countries led by military governments six months to reconsider their decision to quit the regional bloc Ecowas, as security issues and movements of populations cause concern among its 12 remaining members.

Radio France Internationale

Ecowas approves court for crimes committed under Gambia's dictatorship

West Africa's regional bloc Ecowas has approved the setting up a special court to try crimes committed in Gambia during its military dictatorship. It is the first time the bloc has partnered with a member state to set up such a court.