The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has issued a strong condemnation of the recent terrorist attack in the Republic of Benin, calling it a senseless act of violence aimed at destabilizing the region. The tragic event, which took place on April 17, 2025, resulted in the loss of multiple lives and left several individuals wounded, prompting widespread outrage throughout the West African subregion. In an official statement from Abuja, ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray expressed profound sorrow over the attack and offered condolences to the victims’ families, the government, and the people of Benin. Dr. Touray also wished the injured a quick recovery. “The ECOWAS Commission stands united with His Excellency the President of the Republic of Benin, as well as the Government and citizens of Benin, during this difficult period,” the statement read. Dr. Touray reiterated ECOWAS’s commitment to supporting Benin in its ongoing battle against terrorism. He stressed that collaboration and unity within the region are essential to combat the rising security threats that continue to challenge West Africa. Acknowledging the complex and persistent nature of terrorism in the region, ECOWAS called for enhanced cooperation among member states, particularly those sharing borders or experiencing direct threats from extremist violence. The Commission emphasized the need for collective action, including joint military operations, intelligence sharing, and the activation of the ECOWAS Standby Force to provide a coordinated response to terrorism. “ECOWAS remains steadfast in implementing its regional counter-terrorism strategy,” the statement continued, urging international partners to continue supporting both national and regional efforts to combat terrorism and restore stability across the region. BUY ANYTHING ON KONG BUY NOW Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
The withdrawal of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is set to take effect on January 29, 2024, following a year of rising political tensions. This decision marks a significant shift in the regional landscape, leaving ECOWAS’s future in doubt. After a formal notification on January 29, 2024, these three countries, led by military regimes, have made it clear they are determined to leave the bloc, despite ECOWAS’s request to extend the notification period by six months to negotiate a resolution. The departure, which will take effect on Wednesday, will leave the region fragmented, with these nations now forming a new alliance known as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). Accusations Against ECOWAS The military leaders of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso argue that ECOWAS’s sanctions, deemed “inhuman, illegal, and illegitimate,” were imposed after the military coups that brought them to power. These countries have criticized the West African organization for failing to provide adequate support in their ongoing fight against jihadist violence, and they believe ECOWAS’s alignment with former colonial power France has fueled tensions. Consequently, these nations are now forging partnerships with countries like Russia, Turkey, and Iran, rejecting the influence of France. A Weakened ECOWAS The rupture was triggered by the 2023 coup in Niger, after which ECOWAS imposed severe economic sanctions and threatened military intervention to reinstate the ousted president. These sanctions have since been lifted, but the withdrawal of three founding members severely undermines ECOWAS’s capacity to address political crises in the region. According to Gilles Yabi, the founder of West African think tank Wathi, this move will weaken ECOWAS’s ability to maintain stability in the area. As part of their separation from ECOWAS, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso will introduce a common passport and a unified army of 5,000 soldiers, aiming to combat jihadist insurgencies in the region. Tensions in the Sub-region The political landscape in the region is shifting, with countries such as Togo and Ghana increasingly engaged with the AES. Togo, already playing a role as a mediator and providing vital port services to landlocked AES members, has seen its diplomatic influence rise. Togo’s foreign minister has even suggested the possibility of joining the AES, which could further weaken ECOWAS if it loses a maritime-accessing member. Meanwhile, Ghana, under the leadership of newly elected President John Dramani Mahama, has also begun reaching out to the AES, exploring the possibility of balancing membership in both ECOWAS and AES. This development signals a shift in the region’s diplomatic alliances. The Future of ECOWAS The split has sparked debates about the future of ECOWAS. Many are calling for reform, advocating for an ECOWAS focused more strictly on economic cooperation, while others suggest that ECOWAS must evolve into a more people-centric organization, free from the influence of political ideologies. Some former ministers believe that AES could remain a part of a reformed ECOWAS, ensuring that economic ties are preserved while addressing the growing security challenges in the region. Despite the fracture, it remains crucial to maintain economic relations between AES and ECOWAS countries, as the region continues to grapple with jihadist violence. This violent extremism, which has taken tens of thousands of lives in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, is now spilling over into coastal countries such as Benin and Togo, threatening to destabilize the entire region. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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ECOWAS refutes allegations of terrorism sponsorship involving Nigeria, highlighting the nation’s dedication to peacekeeping and regional stability. ECOWAS Rejects Terrorism Sponsorship Allegations Against Nigeria The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has strongly dismissed claims suggesting that Nigeria and its member states are involved in sponsoring terrorism. The regional bloc reiterated its unwavering support for Nigeria’s peacekeeping efforts, condemning the allegations as baseless and unfounded. In a statement released Thursday and shared on its official X account (formerly Twitter), ECOWAS expressed its concerns over the circulating accusations but did not specify the source or nature of the claims. ECOWAS Stands with Nigeria “The Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) expresses deep concern over the allegations being made against Nigeria and other ECOWAS member states. The Commission firmly rejects claims that these nations are sponsoring terrorism,” the statement read. ECOWAS praised Nigeria for its leadership and contributions to regional stability, particularly its active role in the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF). The task force has made significant progress in combating terrorism and fostering peace across West Africa. Describing Nigeria as a “generous and magnanimous country,” ECOWAS acknowledged the nation’s longstanding commitment to peace and security, not only within West Africa but also across the African continent. Call for Evidence-Based Dialogue The regional body urged all member states to prioritize constructive dialogue and avoid making accusations without credible evidence. Such unsubstantiated claims, it argued, could undermine collective efforts toward regional stability. Nigeria’s Renewed Commitment to ECOWAS In a related development, Dr. Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, highlighted Nigeria’s renewed commitment to the bloc during the 66th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government, held in Abuja. Dr. Touray revealed that the Federal Government of Nigeria had cleared its outstanding community levy to ECOWAS, amounting to ₦85 billion and $54 million, covering July 2023 to July 2024. This marked the first time in 19 years that Nigeria had fully paid its community levy, a milestone reflecting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership and Nigeria’s dedication to regional integration. A Step Toward Strengthened Regional Unity This financial milestone underscores Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its role within ECOWAS and enhance regional collaboration. By fulfilling its financial obligations, Nigeria has set a positive example for other member states, reinforcing its commitment to fostering economic growth and stability in West Africa. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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Nigeria Achieves 100% ECOWAS Payment After 19 Years For the first time in nearly two decades, Nigeria has fully paid its financial contributions to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The payment, which totals ₦84 billion and $54 million, covers Nigeria’s community levy for 2023 and extends through July 2024. The announcement was made by the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Touray, during the 66th Ordinary Summit of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. The summit took place at the Old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Sunday, December 13, 2024. Dr. Touray hailed this achievement as a historic milestone, describing it as a significant step in Nigeria’s commitment to regional integration and development. “For the first time in 19 years, Nigeria has paid 100 percent of its community levy, covering 2023 and extending to July 2024. The total payment amounts to ₦84 billion and $54 million. This underscores the leadership and dedication of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the government, and the people of Nigeria to the ECOWAS community,” Dr. Touray remarked. Leadership Behind the Payment The successful payment was credited to the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His administration prioritized fulfilling Nigeria’s financial obligations to ECOWAS, reinforcing the country’s commitment to the regional body. Dr. Touray also emphasized that this act reflects confidence in ECOWAS’s vision and the ongoing reforms initiated under his leadership as ECOWAS Commission President since 2022. “This payment is a mark of confidence in the ECOWAS that I have been privileged to lead since 2022. My colleagues and I are deeply grateful for Nigeria’s steadfast support,” Dr. Touray added. Nigeria’s Role in ECOWAS As the largest economy in West Africa and a founding member of ECOWAS, Nigeria has always played a pivotal role in promoting economic integration, political stability, and regional security. By fulfilling its financial obligations, Nigeria reaffirms its leadership position within the regional bloc and sets a commendable example for other member states. This milestone highlights Nigeria’s dedication to strengthening regional collaboration and advancing the shared objectives of ECOWAS, ensuring long-term benefits for all member countries. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
