1: Understanding ECOWAS

- ECOWAS is a regional organisation aimed at promoting economic integration within the West African sub-region.

- The organisation was established in May 1975 with headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria.

- Comprising 15 West African countries, ECOWAS has spearheaded significant initiatives for regional economic cooperation.

- It set up a free trade area in 1990 and adopted a common external tariff in 2015, demonstrating its commitment to regional collaboration and integration

2: Defection of Military Regimes from ECOWAS

- Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have formally withdrawn, perceiving ECOWAS as a threat.

- These countries, already grappling with jihadist violence and poverty, have experienced shaky relations with the regional body after recent coups.

3: The Advent of the 'Sovereign Decision'

- The aforementioned nations term their withdrawal as a 'sovereign decision'.

- They attribute their exit to an 'irrational and unacceptable posture' adopted by ECOWAS.

4: Birth of the Alliance of Sahel States

- Responding to their collective concerns, the three nations have launched the "Alliance of Sahel States".

- The formation of the alliance is spurred by apprehensions about the escalation of conflicts into Gulf of Guinea nations.

5: The Significance of the Sahel Region

- The Sahel region, stretching from Senegal to Sudan, is known for its semiarid conditions and abundant energy and mineral resources.

- Despite the instability, it's a region rich in oil, gold, and uranium.

- The UN recognizes ten countries within the Sahel region.

6: Allegations against ECOWAS

- ECOWAS faces criticism for not extending aid in battling jihadist threats.

- It is accused of straying from its founding principles because of foreign influence.

7: Post-Withdrawal- Economic and Security Implications

- The withdrawal might birth increased trade hurdles, hike in goods' prices, and potential visa re-impositions.

- The impending insecurity is escalated due to the French military’s withdrawal from Sahel and a growing Russian footprint.

8: India-ECOWAS Relations: A Snapshot

- India has fostered a strong relationship with ECOWAS, enjoying observer status since 2004.

- The country extended a line of credit worth USD 250 million to ECOWAS in 2006.

- ECOWAS also supports India's bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.