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ecowas
ECOWAS faces crisis as three nations exit in historic split
Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso's withdrawal from ECOWAS marks a significant shift in West African politics and trade relations.
Upcoming Ecowas Summit in Abuja sparks debate across West Africa
West Africans await the crucial Ecowas summit in Abuja, where debates on the bloc's future and financial stability will take centre stage amidst growing tensions and member state withdrawals
Ecowas security plan success depends on mending broken relations
At a meeting a few weeks ago in Abuja, Nigeria, the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) defence chiefs and finance ministers, proposed a plan to deploy a 5 000-member regional counterterrorism force to combat the scourge of terrorist insurgency that has long been a cause for concern in West Africa.
Sixty One years of African Unity, Progress in Sustainable Economic Development
For Africa Day 2023 the African Union chose as its main theme the acceleration of the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a way to underscore the importance and urgency of the continent’s need to prioritise its economic unity and strength in the current climate of global crises.
Sanctions backtracking aimed at de-escalating tensions
OPINION: Perhaps by lifting the sanctions, Ecowas is trying to de-escalate tensions and make room for diplomacy and negotiations, writes Dr Sizo Nkala.
Ecowas divorce a serious blow for regional integration, stability
OPINION: However, despite the punitive measures from Ecowas, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger dug in and responded by forming the Alliance of Sahel States in September 2023 to collaborate in fighting extremist violence in their respective states and also help each other economically to blunt the impact of Ecowas sanctions, writes Dr Sizo Nkala.
Niger, ECOWAS discuss transition period in country for 15-18 months - reports
Niger and ECOWAS are negotiating a transition period in the coup-stricken country that could last from 15 to 18 months and are also discussing the fate of ousted Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum, who has been under house arrest since the coup took place.
Election a victory for democracy on continent amid coups
OPINION: Liberia’s elections represent a rare victory for democracy on continent where elections are fast losing their meaning and where transfers of power are conducted through the barrel of a gun, writes Dr Sizo Nkala.
Visa waiver agreement between Ghana and South Africa for ordinary passport holders
It is revealed that the agreement will be effective on November 1, 2023, and citizens of both countries who are travelling can stay in each other's territory for 90 days without being able to work
Calls for sovereignty fuel unrest in West Africa
A surge in coups and demands for French sovereignty has plunged West Africa into turmoil, raising questions about democracy, security, and international relations in the region
Coup leaders in Niger may target French companies in stand-off
OPINION: French President Emmanuel Macron said the coup was illegitimate and dangerous and called for an immediate restoration of the constitutional order, writes Dr Sizo Nkala.
UN boss condemns coup in Gabon
UN head António Guterres called on the military to bring an end to what is happening in Gabon after the overthrow of President Ali Bongo.
Gayton Mackenzie calls on Home Affairs to be ready to deport protesting Zimbabweans, calls for SA to declare Zim elections a ‘sham’
Mackenzie describes Zimbabwean nationals in South Africa who have vowed to march over the ‘sham’ elections, as ‘cowards’.
The crisis in Niger and the Ukrainisation of West Africa
When powerful people are beating drums of war, it would be unwise to discount the possibility of an internecine conflict descending on the horizons, whose long-term meaning and purpose remains unclear to so many
West Africa military chiefs prepare possible Niger mission
ECOWAS has agreed to activate a ‘standby force’ as a last resort to restore democracy in Niger after generals toppled and detained Bazoum last month.
Who is Ecowas? Key facts about the Western African bloc you need to know
Ecowas was set up in 1975 to promote economic development among its 15 members. It has since stepped in in conflicts from Sierra Leone to Mali.
Top American diplomat meets with military leaders in Niger
US acting Secretary of State Victoria Nuland has called for the military leaders in Niamey, Niger, to return to constitutional order.
Niger coup divides West African states, may weaken Ecowas
OPINION: If Niger’s putschists somehow manage to to survive the threats from Ecowas and the international community, militaries in other countries willing to seize power may be emboldened. This would see more coups happening and democracy backsliding further, writes Dr Sizo Nkala.
Nigerian President Tinubu Elected New Chairman of ECOWAS
The gathering is President Tinubu's first international engagement within the continent since he was sworn in on May 29.
Malians don’t deserve to be sanctioned
OPINION: The international community believes that economic sanctions would coerce the military junta to return power to civilian rule, release the political prisoners and return to the barracks, writes Delcio Maianhi.
Several countries grappling with a lack of electricity
OPINION: Load shedding has been a prominent feature of South African citizens’ lives and has brought to the fore the challenges associated with electricity access on the African continent, writes Gwinyai Taruvinga.
Revival of Brazil and Africa’s trade, investment relations
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s victory in Brazil’s presidential elections held at the end of October where he defeated the incumbent Jair Bolsonaro may signal a new lease of life for Brazil-Africa relations.
African Union and Ecowas slam the second coup in Burkina Faso in 8 months
The chairperson has called on the military to immediately and totally refrain from any acts of violence or threats to the civilian population. .
Bodi Tribe Fattening Camp: Five things you didn't know about the Ethiopian tribe where bigger is better
Along the fossil-rich Lower Omo valley river in Southern Ethiopia resides the Bodi Tribe.
Ecowas U-turn on sanctions yields lessons for AU
OPINION: Imposed in January, after the military seized power last year and announced a four-year delay in the transition to an elected civilian rule, the sanctions have had devastating impacts on Mali, writes Koffi Kouakou.