The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) recently declared the lifting of sanctions on three junta-led nations: Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso and is actively seeking that they rejoin its ranks. The news will surely prompt scrutiny over the effectiveness and future prospects of the 15-nation ECOWAS bloc.

While ECOWAS stands as West Africa’s foremost political and economic authority, its continued relevance is undermined by its failure to address the region’s core issues: Islamic extremism and poverty. In a region where resource extraction benefits the elite rather than the common people, ECOWAS has struggled to make meaningful progress. Its inability to prevent nine regional coups since 2020, including recent ones in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, underscores these challenges.