ECOWAS @ 50: The mythology, reality and the so what?, by Chukwuemeka B. Eze, Desire Assogbavi and Malick Fall Background By May 28, 2025, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will be 50 years old. In its five decades of existence, the regional bloc has navigated through the complexities of institutionalising democratic ethos, integration and development. A reflection on the myth and realities of its establishment, accomplishments, and challenges has shown that through resilience and unity of purpose among the region’s leaders, ECOWAS has remained an important voice both in...