Kofi Ali Abdul-Yekin, founder and chairman of the ECOWAS Citizens Democratic Right Advocacy (ECOWAS CDRA), is an author, activist, and columnist who has written extensively on corruption, governance, and social issues in Ghana and across West Africa. In this interview, he reflects on the state of ECOWAS, the stalled reforms of the 1993 treaty, the rise of military rule, migration pressures, and what he believes must change for the regional body to remain relevant.

On suing the ECOWAS Commission

I am seeking justice because every West African is a victim of injustice. The hearing has been held; we await the outcome. My case is simple: coup plotters committed treasonable felony, yet ECOWAS placed sanctions on their countries and then still asked these same coup leaders to submit withdrawal letters from ECOWAS on behalf of citizens. That is not right. ECOWAS must decide whether it stands for democracy or not. I want the court to interpret the 1993 treaty properly.

On whether ECOWAS protects citizens’ rights

The 1975 Treaty envisioned free movement of people for 90 days, free trade, and integration. On paper, ECOWAS has achieved a lot. But in reality, citizens feel little impact. The apathy is because reforms from the 1993 Treaty were never fully implemented. ECOWAS is still operating largely under the 1975 framework. If ECOWAS were truly serving its people, citizens wouldn’t celebrate military takeovers against it.

On reforms and the 1993 Treaty

Everyone agrees reform is needed—that’s why the 1993 Treaty was signed. The problem is implementation. Before 1993, ECOWAS was just a club of presidents, much like the old European Economic Community (EEC). After the Maastricht Treaty, the EEC transformed into the European Union (EU), with stronger institutions like a parliament and court of justice. ECOWAS followed suit in 1993, establishing the Commission, the Court of Justice, and the ECOWAS Parliament.

The parliament was designed to eventually become directly elected, with 120 seats distributed across the sub-region. Members would represent constituencies, not states, making them answerable to citizens, not governments. This would allow ECOWAS to legislate, harmonize policies, and build common institutions like a currency, army, and foreign policy. But because the parliament remains advisory and unelected, ECOWAS is weak.

On ECOWAS at 50

We should not be celebrating “50 years of ECOWAS” as if nothing changed since 1975. The 1993 reform fundamentally reshaped the institution. What we should be evaluating is how far we have implemented that reform. Sadly, the answer is: not far at all.

On the resurgence of military coups

Military takeovers are happening because ECOWAS is weak. The 1993 Treaty allows ECOWAS to directly employ soldiers and raise funds, but this has not been enforced. Instead, ECOWAS relies on member states like Nigeria or Senegal to provide troops. Without its own standing force or binding legislative framework, ECOWAS cannot deter coups.

Coups expose the vulnerability of ECOWAS. Citizens see it as serving foreign interests, for instance France’s in Niger, rather than protecting their rights. Until ECOWAS builds legitimacy through democratic institutions, coups will continue.

On the single currency dream

A common currency would transform West Africa. It would cut transaction costs and strengthen trade. But currency is not just economics—it is law. Money exists because of legislation. Without a legislative arm at ECOWAS level, a common currency cannot happen.

The solution is clear: elect members of the ECOWAS Parliament so they can legislate. Otherwise, the project will either fail or be hijacked by external actors like the IMF or EU.

On mass migration (‘japa’)

Migration is about security. People leave West Africa because they feel unsafe and hopeless. In the U.S. or Europe, laws work, institutions work, and people can maximize their potential. That’s what drives young West Africans to risk dangerous journeys across the Mediterranean.

It’s not about chasing luxury—most people just want dignity, work, and security. If ECOWAS were functioning as it should, young people wouldn’t feel the need to flee.

On the way forward

The solution lies in empowering citizens through a directly elected ECOWAS Parliament. Democracy is not just about heads of state—it’s about laws, institutions, and people’s representation. The right to vote for ECOWAS lawmakers is long overdue. Until that happens, ECOWAS will remain vulnerable, coups will persist, and migration will intensify.

“The world is moving. China, India, Brazil are advancing on the strength of size and scale. West Africa too must rise, and the only way is through legislation and institutions that serve the people, not just states.”