First Independent Mena Newspaper
President of Ghana, John Mahama has expressed on April 22 disappointment at the decision by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), calling the move “regrettable.” Speaking at the launch of ECOWAS’s 50th anniversary celebrations in Accra on Tuesday, Mahama emphasized that diplomacy should focus on […]
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched a 5,000-member counterterrorism force in response to the escalating security crisis in the Sahel and wider West Africa. Announced during the 43rd meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff in Abuja, this force is designed to confront the growing influence of jihadist […]
Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has met with Burkina Faso’s interim leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, in high-level talks aimed at enhancing regional stability and fostering deeper economic partnerships. The discussions, held in Ouagadougou on Monday (10 March), covered a range of issues, with a particular emphasis on improving relations with the Economic Community of West […]
Guinea’s ruling military junta has announced plans to hold a constitutional referendum followed by presidential and legislative elections before the end of 2025, signaling a potential return to civilian rule after four years of military governance. Prime minister Amadou Oury Bah confirmed the timeline, emphasizing that constitutional order would be restored, though no specific dates […]
The recent withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has placed significant pressure on Nigeria’s military, especially its Air Force. Air marshal Hassan Abubakar, Nigeria’s chief of air staff, highlighted at a recent meeting in Abuja that the departure of these countries from the regional security […]
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reaffirmed its commitment to launching the Eco currency by 2027, a key step in advancing regional economic integration and financial stability. The ambitious currency project, which aims to unify the economies of 15 West African countries, was discussed at the recent 11th ECOWAS Convergence Council meeting […]
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) have ended their mission to Guinea-Bissau after the country’s president threatened to expel the delegation. The mission, which arrived in the country on 21 February, aimed to help political stakeholders reach an agreement on a […]
West Africa’s regional bloc ECOWAS has thrown its weight and support behind Nigeria after Niger’s accusations that Abuja was plotting to destabilize its northern neighbor, notably by harboring members of the former Bazoum administration and collaborating with foreign powers. The Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS) has come to Nigeria’s defense as its diplomatic […]
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has unveiled its electronic Certificate of Origin, a digital system with the aim of enhancing trade facilitation and curbing fraudulent practices across the region. In broader terms, the E-Certificate of Origin (e-CO) is also a part of the ECOWAS’ deliberate and sustained efforts to boost intra-regional trade […]
Nigeria’s military and the junta in neighboring Niger have signed a new security agreement that aims to bolster regional stability and security a year after their normally positive bilateral ties soured after Niger’s coup in July 2023. Despite strained relations and their shared border being closed as part of the sanctions imposed by the Economic […]