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An ECOWAS staff member walks past a stage before a press conference
Image: MICHELE SPATARI AFP via Getty Images

ECOWAS

Topic

The 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a regional political and economic bloc. The group has suspended four members in recent years, most recently Niger, after military coups.

Skip next section Reports & Analysis

Reports & Analysis

Hooded armed men in military fatigues stand on a street

Sierra Leone now calm after coordinated series of attacks

Sierra Leone now calm after coordinated series of attacks

Active and former soldiers participated in attacks, but the government says it's too early to say if it was a coup.
PoliticsNovember 27, 2023
A man in a crowd holding a placard with the image of General Tchiani

EU and US divided over Niger coup

EU and US divided over Niger coup

The EU has considered sanctions on Niger, but the US wants to keep the communication lines open with the military junta.
PoliticsOctober 26, 2023
French soldiers in Niamey, Niger

What will France's troop withdrawal mean for Niger?

What will France's troop withdrawal mean for Niger?

Experts say celebrations of France's withdrawal from Niger are premature and could have broader ramifications.
PoliticsOctober 6, 2023
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Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger sign defense pact

Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger sign defense pact

The military rulers of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have committed to helping each other in the event of an attack.
PoliticsSeptember 17, 202302:12 min
In Niger, protesters demanding the departure of the French ambassador

Has the EU's Africa policy failed after wave of coups?

Has the EU's Africa policy failed after wave of coups?

Europe seems to have ever fewer options as it watches West African states go through coup after coup.
PoliticsAugust 31, 2023
Women fill canisters of water in a small village

A month after coup, Niger's situation is dire

A month after coup, Niger's situation is dire

Provisions are scarce in the landlocked country, and people feel abandoned by ECOWAS and the international community.
ConflictsAugust 31, 202303:15 min
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Embedded external element

Skip next section In the spotlight

In the spotlight

Niger prime minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine speaks to DW in an interview

Niger's junta-appointed PM: 'Why should we worry?'

In an exclusive interview with DW, Niger's new prime minister, Lamine Zeine, has signaled a readiness for talks.
PoliticsAugust 14, 2023
An ECOWAS staff member walks past a stage before a press conference

ECOWAS: A West African work in progress

Sanctions imposed by ECOWAS on coup leaders have had little effect in the past, highlighting the alliance's weakness.
PoliticsAugust 1, 2023
Guinea-Bissau's presidential palace

Elections in Guinea-Bissau: The eternal search for stability

The elections are taking place in a divided country where basic democratic rights are under fire.
PoliticsJune 2, 2023