ECOWAS commissions ECA to conduct study on implications of Morocco joining bloc

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has commissioned studies into the possible implications of Morocco joining the regional bloc.

Morocco, a north African country, announced its intention to join the West African bloc on February 24, 2017. Morocco by virtue of its geographical location, can only be given observer status, but during the 51st Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the ECOWAS in Monrovia, Liberia, the ECOWAS ‘accepted in principle’ Morocco’s request to join the group, a move that surprised some ECOWAS watchers and has been causing consternation within the bloc.

Nigeria, has been seen to openly show disapproval for the decision.

While a final decision is expected to be reached on Morocco’s membership at the next Summit of Heads of State to be held in Lome, Togo in December 2017, the ECOWAS has commissioned the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) to conduct a study on the possible implications of Morocco’s membership on the group. This came to light during discussions at a workshop organized by the ECA, West African Regional Office in collaboration with ECOWAS to form a Network of Economic Journalists for West Africa.

The decision of the Summit in December is expected to be informed by the findings of this study, expected to be completed before the meeting in Lome.

By Emmanuel K. Dogbevi, in Dakar, Senegal
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