Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

Why in news?

• Recently, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has emerged at the forefront of international attention due to its active involvement in addressing the aftermath of the coup in Niger.
• This coup, which ousted the democratically elected President and ushered in a military coup, has raised alarm bells globally.

About Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS):

• The ECOWAS, also known as CEDEAO in French, is a regional intergovernmental organization established in 1975.
• Created through the Lagos Treaty, ECOWAS aims to foster economic integration, cooperation, and development among West African nations.
• The Secretariat is headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria.

Member States:

• Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote d’ Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal, and Togo.

Goals and Objectives:

• Promoting economic integration among member states.
• Facilitating the free movement of people, goods, and services.
• Enhancing regional cooperation in various sectors, including industry, transport, energy, and finance.
• Fostering a borderless region governed by democratic principles, the rule of law, and good governance.
• Addressing security and political challenges through collaboration and conflict resolution.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Which of the following countries are members of ‘Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)’?

1. Burkina Faso

2. Somalia

3. Niger

4. Kenya

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 4 only

(c) 2,3 and 4 only

(d) 1,2,3 and 4

Answer