West Africa’s regional bloc for economic and political integration
Sierra Leone has signed a Third Country National agreement with the United States to accept up to 300 ECOWAS nationals deported from the US each year, with a maximum of 25 a month. The first group of 25 deportees from Senegal, Ghana, Guinea and Nigeria is expected to arrive on May 20, 2026. The arrangement has drawn criticism over legal basis and treatment of deportees, and it remains unclear what Sierra Leone receives in return.
Ghana presents itself as a stable, investor-friendly gateway to West Africa and the AfCFTA, stressing political stability, mature institutions, and a young, entrepreneurial workforce. Presidents Mahama emphasises reforms, digitisation, and partnership opportunities, while signaling broader regional opportunities in energy, industry, and the green transition.
Zimbabwe’s draft constitutional bill would extend the presidency and other public offices to seven-year terms and defer 2028 elections. Parliament is set to debate it next week, with critics warning of legal challenges and protests.
A coalition has filed a case at ECOWAS Court of Justice in Abuja challenging Ghana’s role in a US-backed third-country deportation scheme. The suit alleges violations of non-refoulement, citing detainee mistreatment and forced removals for 27 deportees; Ghana may disclose terms of the deal as part of the case.
Airspace has reopened between Mali and Algeria and ambassadors are to resume duties after a year-long diplomatic rift triggered by a drone incident. Mali says its airspace is open to all civilian and military flights; Algeria confirms the move as ties thaw in a volatile Sahel.
ECOWAS members have endorsed the Nigeria–Morocco Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a 6,800-km conduit linking 13 West African states with potential to export 30 bcm of gas annually. The project aims to diversify energy supplies, boost regional integration and support electricity generation, while weighing security and financing risks as construction eyes 2028 start.
Since late May more than 160,000 foreign nationals have returned or been repatriated from South Africa, with governments reporting 115,000 back to Zimbabwe and 56,000 to Malawi; many returns have followed protests that have targeted migrants, sparked violent attacks and diplomatic rows across Africa. Petitioners have asked the ICC to examine whether the violence and state failures constitute crimes against humanity.