France, April 24 -- Celebrations marking 50 years of the Economic Community of West African States - known as Ecowas - began in Ghana this week, but the mood was far from jubilant. The region's main political and economic bloc finds itself at a crossroads after losing three key members.

Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger all walked away from the group in January, dealing a major blow to an organisation already struggling with security threats and economic challenges.

Ecowas was born in Lagos on 28 May, 1975 with the goal of bringing West African nations closer together. Five decades later, that ambition is facing its toughest test yet.

The anniversary celebrations, launched in Accra, will continue throughout the year, with events planned acr...