West African regional bloc faces harmonisation tests

Subject

ECOWAS tests.

Significance

Recent elections across the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have been marred by violence and fraud allegations, and fresh constitutional crises abound. While trade harmonisation efforts are gaining traction, obstacles to implementation persist.

Impacts

• The multiplicity of trade arrangements being negotiated by ECOWAS member states will likely slow the process of trade harmonisation.
• There will be heightened scrutiny of Senegal’s December local polls after recent electoral disputes and increasing centralisation of power.
• While most of Togo's opposition will participate in local polls this month, growing disunity could sidetrack its efforts to oust Gnassingbe.