What is ECOWAS and what does the Sahel states' withdrawal mean for West Africa?

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1. 1

   ECONOMIC COMMUNITY OF WEST AFRICAN STATES (ECOWAS) AND SUB-REGIONAL INTEGRATION IN WEST AFRICA

   European Journal of Political Science Studies (Bassey et al.)Published Jul 9, 2024Checked Oct 19, 2026

   “Other findings are that the implementation of ECOWAS protocol on free movement of people and trade is criminally exploited by cross border criminals in the region thereby affecting member States to fully open up their borders to each other. Again, a whole number of strategies have been put in place for the full implementation of the integration process to include but not limited to; the creation of the West African Monetary Union, as well as the West African Youth Union, the West African Women’s Association and others. The work concluded by recommending, among others, that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) central and coordinating body should be backed by legal or legislative instruments and that would be respected by all member countries with the power to sanction recalcitrant members as well as given the recognition through adoption of formal national measure and given appropriate backing to its establishment and the right to operate and access public assets on resources. By this, member states will comply and participate fully in the integration process. Article visualizations:”

2. 2

   The Sahel States’ Withdrawal From Ecowas: Emerging Security Risks And Vulnerabilities For Nigeria

   Islamic University Journal of Social Sciences (Alabi et al.)Published Dec 31, 2025Checked Oct 19, 2026

   “These Sahelian states, grappling with jihadist insurgencies and governed by military regimes, have distanced themselves from the ECOWAS framework, citing dissatisfaction with sanctions and political interference. This withdrawal threatens the integrity of regional security cooperation and creates new vulnerabilities, particularly for Nigeria, a key member state and regional power. This study examines the emerging security risks stemming from the departure, including porous border management, cross-border insurgency, illicit arms flow, and the weakening of collective defense mechanisms. Utilizing qualitative analysis through policy review, expert interviews, and secondary sources, the research explores how Nigeria's internal security is likely to be affected and proposes strategic responses to safeguard national and regional stability. The study argues that Nigeria must recalibrate its security and diplomatic posture to address the evolving security architecture in the Sahel and reinforce its leadership role within and beyond ECOWAS.”

3. 3

   The withdrawal of the Alliance of Sahel States from ECOWAS: What Implications for West African Integration?

   CUPEA Cuadernos de Política Exterior Argentina (Hassan)Published Jun 27, 2026Checked Oct 19, 2026

   “This precipitous exit—colloquially referred to as "Sahelexit"—has profound implications for West African regional security, political stability, and institutional coherence. Driven by military boards seeking autonomy from ECOWAS democratic conditionality, mounting insecurity from Jihadist insurgencies, and dissent with Western military interventions, the three nations established the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) as an alternative security framework. This article examines the structural causes, institutional mechanisms, and security implications of the Sahelexit phenomenon through the lens of regionalism under stress. The analysis reveals that while the AES addresses immediate collective security concerns, its foundation in regime survival rather than economic integration, coupled with weakening state capacity and escalating terrorism, threatens both the alliance's viability and broader West African stability. The article concludes that Sahelexit represents not merely institutional fragmentation but a fundamental challenge to the postcolonial framework of African regionalism.”

4. 4

   From ECOWAS to the Alliance of Sahel States: Shifting Security Architectures in West Africa

   International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (Deegbe)Published Jan 1, 2026Checked Oct 19, 2026

   “Using documentary analysis, conflict event data, official statements, policies, and joint communiqués, the study finds that while ECOWAS retains formal legal authority and institutional capacity, ASS has cultivated domestic legitimacy and unity by prioritising sovereignty, regime security, and resistance to external influence. The dynamics highlight strains between democratic conditionality and non-interference, regional integration and state autonomy, and multilateral governance and regime survival. The study argues that the coexistence of parallel security institutions risks fragmenting collective responses to extremism, border insecurity, and humanitarian crises, while reflecting broader transformations in Africa’s regional order. The study concludes with policy recommendations for reconciling divergent governance norms, strengthening institutional resilience, and fostering adaptive and inclusive security governance frameworks capable of addressing the evolving threat environment of West Africa.”

5. 5

   Migration and Regional Integration in West Africa: A Borderless ECOWAS

   Research paper (Adeniran)Published Nov 14, 2014Checked Oct 19, 2026

   “1. Why a Borderless ECOWAS? 2. Social Organization of Mobility 3. Migration Network, Determinants, and Patterns 4. The Process of Identity Integration 5. Identity Dualism and Regional Integration 6. Uncensored Space and Regional Development 7. Theoretical, Conceptual, and Methodological Frameworks for Borderless ECOWAS 8. Concluding Comments”

6. 6

   Shifting Alliances: The role of non-regional powers in sahel security after ECOWAS departures

   International Journal of Science and Research Archive (Omowon & Sholademi)Published Feb 12, 2025Checked Oct 19, 2026

   “Meanwhile, France, historically entrenched in the Sahel through Operation Barkhane and bilateral security agreements, faces diminishing influence as local governments pivot toward alternative partnerships. French disengagement has sparked new geopolitical realignments, with some states actively seeking security support beyond their former colonial ties. China's involvement, while less overtly military, focuses on economic statecraft and infrastructure investments under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Through financial aid, arms sales, and economic diplomacy, China seeks to maintain strategic relationships while avoiding direct military entanglement. As competition among these actors intensifies, the Sahel’s security trajectory remains uncertain, with implications for regional stability, counterterrorism efforts, and governance. This study examines the evolving role of non-regional powers in Sahel security post-ECOWAS, analyzing their strategic interests, engagement tactics, and the broader geopolitical consequences of their involvement.”