The 69th ECOWAS summit in Freetown, Sierra Leone, convenes at a pivotal moment for the Economic Community of West African States. Leaders gather this Sunday, but the bloc faces a glaring absence: Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have distanced themselves, forming the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The topic is certain to dominate discussions as officials seek to restore the organization’s credibility amid pressing security challenges.

A future without Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso?

Beyond symbolism, West African leaders must confront a pressing question: how to redefine ECOWAS’ future following the withdrawal of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, now united under the Confederation of Sahel States. While these nations have left the bloc, their geographic proximity demands continued engagement.

Heads of state will explore avenues for dialogue to safeguard trade, free movement, and above all, regional security cooperation against a backdrop of escalating terrorism that transcends borders.

Aliou Diakite, an ECOWAS expert, underscores the urgency: “The gathering must address the bloc’s future, governance gaps, and security challenges—including organized crime linked to terrorism, political transitions post-elections, climate change impacts, epidemics, and pandemics. These issues demand bold action from heads of state and government.”

Long-awaited standby force still not operational

Key priorities for West African citizens remain unresolved, lingering from one summit to the next. Take the ECOWAS Standby Force: announced years ago but yet to reach full operational capacity, this regional tool is critical for rapid responses to terrorism, political crises, and instability.

Pre-summit preparatory meetings in Freetown this week reflect growing momentum among member states to accelerate its deployment.

Michel Ange Bangoura, Guinea’s coordinator for ECOWAS cooperation, highlights the roadblocks: “Institutional frameworks are in place on paper, but funding and deployment remain obstacles. Where will the headquarters be located? How will each country contribute at least one company’s worth of troops?”

Pressed on timelines, Bangoura adds: “Discussions this week will likely focus on expediting deployment—perhaps even identifying a host nation in the near term.”

The summit will also tackle institutional reforms to restore ECOWAS’ credibility after years of political turmoil and coups across the region.