The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has acknowledged ongoing challenges threatening regional integration and is calling for renewed unity, solidarity, and fraternity among member states.
Dr. Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, raised these concerns at the opening of the 37th Ordinary Meeting of the Administration and Finance Committee (AFC) held Sunday at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja. Touray, represented by Vice President Mrs. Damtien Tchintchibidja, emphasized the urgent need to tackle issues undermining the bloc’s 50-year integration achievements.
The mid-year AFC meeting was convened to assess the implementation of ECOWAS programmes, projects, and decisions, while also reviewing the financial status of the community and evaluating the impact of the recent withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
“Our organisation is at a crossroads,” Touray stated. “We face an existential crisis, and must come together to critically assess the obstacles impeding our integration. Our strength lies in moving forward in unity, peace, and shared development.”
The Commission president noted that lessons from ECOWAS’ recent 50th anniversary and the Sahel states’ withdrawal have revealed the urgency for deep institutional, organisational, political, and security reforms. As part of this process, a summit on the future of ECOWAS will soon be convened, preceded by consultations with youth and women to ensure inclusivity in charting the community’s future.
Touray stressed that ECOWAS’ success depends on collective action and commitment: “ECOWAS lives through each of us—our dedication, solidarity, and shared vision for a prosperous region.”
Also speaking at the meeting, ECOWAS Commissioner for Internal Services, Prof. Nazifi Darma, highlighted the need for resource self-reliance in light of dwindling international donor support. He announced the acquisition of new communication infrastructure to modernise the Commission’s operations and urged member states to adopt innovative strategies for financing and service delivery.
AFC Chairman, Amb. Olawale Awe, underscored the need to urgently address staffing gaps and the future of the ECOWAS community levy following the exit of the Sahelian countries.
“We must act decisively to sustain institutional capacity and avoid stagnation. The region cannot afford to lose momentum at such a critical time,” he warned.
The meeting was attended by key ECOWAS stakeholders including commissioners, parliamentarian, heads of institutions, resident representatives, and other dignitaries from across the region.
(NAN)
