West Africa / ECOWAS at a crossroads : Reform or Dissolution ?
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has often been portrayed as a regional organization aiming to promote democracy and freedom in the region.
However, when President Macky Sall of Senegal orchestrated a constitutional coup by amending the constitution to extend his term, ECOWAS’s reaction was disappointing, if not non-existent. Despite calls for action from the Senegalese people, ECOWAS remained strangely silent, unable to condemn or sanction President Macky Sall’s regime.
This inaction raises serious questions about the independence and effectiveness of ECOWAS. It is increasingly evident that this organization may be influenced by political and economic interests rather than the democratic principles it advocates. Indeed, President Macky Sall is alleged to be a pawn of France, which wields influence within ECOWAS. This close relationship with a foreign power seriously compromises the integrity of the organization and its ability to act justly and impartially.
Furthermore, ECOWAS’s reluctance to condemn the constitutional coup in Senegal sends a message to other countries in the region. If a country like Senegal can blatantly violate the constitution without facing consequences from ECOWAS, it sets a dangerous precedent that could encourage other leaders to follow suit. When similar events occurred in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, ECOWAS swiftly condemned the coups and imposed severe sanctions in the interest of the people.
Faced with these troubling realities, it is time to question the very existence of ECOWAS. Rather than perpetuating a dysfunctional and compromised organization, it would be preferable to dissolve it and create a new regional structure that is truly committed to the will of the people and economic development.
The recent events in Senegal highlight ECOWAS’s serious shortcomings as a regional organization. Instead of continuing to tolerate such inaction and complacency in the face of democratic rights violations, bold steps should be taken to create a new vision for West Africa – one based on the people’s will, freedom, and justice for all. Dissolving ECOWAS would be a first step in this direction.
