The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has marked its 49th anniversary today, commemorating nearly five decades of regional integration and cooperation.
In an address, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, highlighted the achievements and ongoing challenges facing the community.
“Precisely 49 years ago, the Founding Fathers signed the treaty creating the Economic Community of West African States. Since then, ECOWAS has served the region and continues to unite our peoples around the common ideals of shared prosperity,” President Touray stated.
ECOWAS has made strides in various areas including the free movement of people, intra-community trade, regional energy, transport infrastructure, governance, and peace and security.
The president said these accomplishments reflect the community’s commitment to fostering regional integration and development.
However, President Touray acknowledged that the journey has not been without difficulties. “ECOWAS may have realized many achievements, but the Community continues to face a number of challenges. Insecurity continues to threaten our region. Some of our member states are battling terrorist groups on a daily basis and large numbers of our population face displacement and food insecurity,” he said.
The theme for this year’s anniversary celebration, “Strengthening Regional Unity, Peace, and Security,” focuses on the need for collective efforts to address these challenges.
President Touray emphasized that unity is crucial for the success of ECOWAS’s mission, quoting General Yakubu Gowon, one of the founding fathers: “Neither the generation of our founding fathers, nor the present or future generations can understand or will be forgiving for the breakup of our community.”
“We are convinced that in unity, we will preserve peace and strengthen our actions for the security of our Member States and our people. Through unity, we will preserve regional stability and the harmonious political and socio-economic development of our community,” he concluded.
