Free movement within ECOWAS: Still major efforts to be made

Forty-seven years after the 1979 protocol, free movement within ECOWAS is hindered by political crises and illicit practices. The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger in January 2025 created legal uncertainty, complicating exchanges. Nigerien transporters face difficulties with identification documents, and additional fees are demanded at borders, worsening the situation. These obstacles result in an estimated annual loss of about 2% of the region's GDP.