The Conversation Africa published this op-ed by Danielle Resnick, IFPRI Senior Research Fellow, on the recent Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) breakup, or “Sahelexit,” and the implications for West African food security and regional cooperation.
“The exit from Africa’s largest political and economic union threatens to disrupt flows of goods, services and people. As a political economist who focuses on agriculture and nutrition policy in much of Africa, I worry that these developments will have serious consequences for food security in a region where almost 17 million children under five are already acutely malnourished,” Resnick wrote.
“Already, the cost of a daily nutritious diet in the three Sahel alliance countries is 110% higher than the daily minimum wage in the west African region. The countries are also among the world’s hunger hotspots. In early 2025, 7.5 million of their population were classified as in crisis, emergency or famine conditions.”
In conclusion, Resnick questions whether concerns over national sovereignty could potentially undermine regional cooperation on increasing cross-border climate, conflict, and health threats to food security.
BBC Sounds interviewed Danielle Resnick for this podcast episode discussing the ECOWAS breakup. Dr. Resnick’s comments start at minute 18 of the podcast: BBC Focus on Africa