The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a regional political and economic

union of fifteen countries located in West Africa. Collectively, these countries comprise an area of
5,114,162 km2 and have an estimated population of over 424.34 million.
Considered one of the pillar regional blocs of the continent-wide African Economic Community
(AEC), the stated goal of ECOWAS is to achieve "collective self-sufficiency" for its member states
by creating a single large trade bloc by building a full economic and trading union. Additionally,
ECOWAS aims to raise living standards and promote economic development.[6] The union
was established on 28 May 1975, with the signing of the Treaty of Lagos, with its stated mission
to promote economic integration across the region. A revised version of the treaty was agreed
and signed on 24 July 1993 in Cotonou, the largest city in Benin.
ECOWAS's fundamental principles rely on
 equity,  nonaggression,
 inter-dependence,  regional peace,
 solidarity,  promotion of human rights,
 co-operation,  and economic and social justice.[8]

Notably among ECOWAS's protocols and plans are the ECOWAS Free Movement of Persons,
Residences and Establishment Protocol and the Ecotour Action Plan 2019–2029. The Free
Movement of Persons Protocol permits citizens the right to enter and reside in any member state's
territory, and the Ecotour Action Plan aims to develop and integrate the tourist industry of each
member state.
ECOWAS also serves as a peacekeeping force in the region, with member states occasionally
sending joint military forces to intervene in the bloc's member countries at times of political
instability and unrest.
In 2024, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali announced their withdrawal from the bloc. The countries
had been suspended from ECOWAS due to military takeovers of their respective governments.
Member states
Upon its foundation, ECOWAS had 15 member states: eight French-speaking, five English-
speaking, and two Portuguese-speaking. All current members joined the community as founding
members in May 1975, except Cape Verde which joined in 1977.
Morocco officially requested to join ECOWAS in February 2017.The application was endorsed in
principle at the summit of heads of state in June 2017.[16][14] However, Morocco's bid for
membership was stalled as West African economic actors feared goods imported through
Morocco's free trade agreements would flood the market of states within ECOWA