Established by fifteen countries in 1975, the regional bloc was created to promote economic integration and unity across West Africa.

This week, the African Leadership Centre is hosting a summit in Abuja, Nigeria, to assess ECOWAS’s journey over the past five decades, from fostering regional cooperation to confronting political instability and security crises.

While ECOWAS has been instrumental in promoting trade, peacekeeping, and democratic governance, recent years have seen growing divisions.

Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali have withdrawn from the bloc following military takeovers in their respective countries, raising questions about ECOWAS’s cohesion and relevance.

Analysts say the bloc now faces a defining moment, as it seeks to strengthen its institutions and reaffirm its founding mission of economic unity and political stability. Many observers believe ECOWAS will need to adapt its approach to remain effective in a rapidly changing regional landscape.

–SophieMokoena/ChannelAfrica–