ECOWAS announced plans to hold a summit titled “the Future of the Community” to strategise on its path forward after the exit of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, who have formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

The Committee on Administration and Finance, meeting in Abuja, is conducting a mid-term evaluation of ECOWAS programmes and addressing financial and recruitment challenges.

Vice President Damtien Tchintchibidja emphasized the urgency for institutional, political, and security reforms in light of the withdrawal and highlighted the importance of unity and solidarity for the community’s future.

Pre-summit consultations will include youth and women to broadly consider the Community’s needs as ECOWAS seeks to overcome current existential challenges.