Ecowas and junta-led states agree to fight terrorism

The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) says it has reached an agreement with junta-led Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to work together against terrorism, marking a possible thawing of relations with the three breakaway states, reports TimesLIVE. The three withdrew from the West African regional bloc last year, in what was seen as a blow to efforts to reduce trade barriers, allow free movement and fight a growing threat from Islamist militants across the region. ‘We have secured an understanding ... on the need to work together to build confidence to collectively confront terrorism and violent extremism,’ Ecowas president Omar Touray said. He said they also agreed to sustain gains made under Ecowas protocols relating to economic integration and development. Violence fuelled by a decade-long fight with Islamist groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State has worsened since the three countries' militaries seized power in a series of coups from 2020 to 2023. After leaving Ecowas, the three set up the Alliance of Sahel States.

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