The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) doesn’t just work for economic integration; it tries to defend democracy and prevent war among its member states, and often it succeeds. Massive demonstrations against him began in the capital in June, and by last month Ecowas was trying to mediate between him and the protesters. The crowds in Bamako rejoiced at the coup, but the 14 other Ecowas countries, aware of how vulnerable they are to similar events, took a different view. So Ecowas sent a delegation led by former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan to Mali to help restore constitutional order. (Nigeria, which has half the population of Ecowas, cannot give orders to the other members, but it is definitely first among equals.)

Source: The Star August 28, 2020 09:22 UTC