The 66th ECOWAS Summit kicks off with the notable absence of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. The three nations, affected by coups, have decided to sever ties with the regional bloc, accusing them of unfair sanctions related to the putschs. The meeting is chaired by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu.
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is expected to report on mediations with Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso at the previous summit. Topics on the agenda include regional security challenges and the payment of community dues by member states.
Ministers are also expected to discuss the implementation of the ECOWAS trade liberalization agenda, which provides for the free movement of people and goods. Currently chaired by Nigeria, ECOWAS is of crucial importance at a time when regional stability is threatened by coups and security crises.
With a dozen members, including Benin, Ivory Coast, Ghana and Gambia, the bloc was founded in 1975 and has established itself as the leading regional political authority. Its role is essential in fostering cooperation and strengthening peace in West Africa.