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The Latest Breaking News from ECOWAS

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.

Radio France Internationale

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…

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

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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.

The Conversation

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

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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.

Radio France Internationale

ECOWAS Approves Exit Timeline For Coup-Hit Nations

ECOWAS approves exit timeline for coup-hit nations Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, posing challenges for regional stability.

Top News

West Africa bloc meets as military rulers vow to quit

West African leaders from the regional group ECOWAS met on Sunday for a summit with three nation members led by military governments on the brink of quitting the bloc.

Radio France Internationale

W.Africa Bloc Meets As Military Rulers Vow To Quit

West African leaders from the regional group ECOWAS met on Sunday for a summit with three nation members led by military governments on the brink of quitting the bloc.

International Business Times

Senegal 'making progress' convincing military regimes in Sahel to remain with Ecowas

Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has said he is 'making progress' in a mediation mission with junta-led Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, after the trio announced their departure from regional bloc Ecowas.

Radio France Internationale

Burkina Faso's military junta sacks the prime minister and dissolves the government

Burkina Faso’s ruling military junta has issued a decree dismissing Prime Minister Apollinaire Joachim Kyelem de Tambela and announcing the dissolution of the national government

The Independent UK

Nigerian State Visit Signals Shift In France's Africa Strategy

President Bola Tinubu will begin a two-day trip to France on Thursday, the first state visit by a Nigerian leader in more than two decades, as Paris seeks to boost ties with anglophone Africa.

International Business Times

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The Conversation

Terrorism is spreading in west Africa – foreign and regional collaboration are needed to fight the threat

The United States army has completed its withdrawal from Niger after 11 years of military cooperation with the west African country.

France 24

Ghana’s President Akufo-Addo says security in Sahel has ‘worsened’ since French troops left

Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo said he hoped Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger would rejoin the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) regional bloc, in an interview with FRANCE 24. The decision of the military juntas in the three countries to withdraw from ECOWAS was a setback, and the security…

Radio France Internationale

Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger to issue biometric passports from new alliance

Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger will soon introduce new biometric passports issued by their new alliance, after their withdrawal the West African Ecowas bloc earlier this year.

Radio France Internationale

Niger and Nigeria renew security cooperation after post-coup fallout

Nigeria and Niger have signed an agreement to enhance their security cooperation, despite lingering tensions between the neighbouring West African countries following Niger’s coup a year ago.

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Al Jazeera

West Africa’s ‘coup belt’: Did Mali’s 2020 army takeover change the region?

At least 10 coup attempts have been recorded in Central and West Africa since the August 2020 military takeover in Mali.

The Conversation

Russian flags waved during Nigeria protests: why it’s a cause for concern

The #EndBadGovernance protest in Nigeria from 1 August to 10 August took a rather unexpected dimension when some protesters in Kano and Kaduna states, both in the country’s north-west region, were seen waving and sharing Russian flags on the streets. In reaction, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu met with the country’s…

Al Jazeera

A year after Niger’s coup, split political loyalties test family ties

While many Nigeriens have welcomed the military rulers, others question their rhetoric and approach towards governance.

The Independent UK

Terrorism and organized crime rampant in Sahel and spilling into West Africa coastal states, UN says

A U.N. envoy says terrorism and organized crime by violent extremist groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State are a “pervasive threat" in Africa’s volatile Sahel region

France 24

Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso: How a triumvirate of military leaders are redrawing West Africa’s map

The military juntas of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso signed a treaty of confederation Saturday bringing together 72 million people into the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). It’s a decision, they say, that will not only allow the three nations to wipe the scourge of jihadist violence from their countries,…

The Conversation

West Africa is changing: five essential reads on breakaways from Ecowas

The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) has been in the news lately – mostly for the wrong reasons.

Radio France Internationale

New Sahel Confederation challenges regional order as ECOWAS seeks dialogue

The military heads of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger convened for the inaugural summit of the Confederation of the Sahel States (AES). The leaders emphasised territorial and popular sovereignty as core principles of their leadership through a new treaty. Concurrently, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is exploring…

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