ECOWAS president urges stronger unity, democratic governance in West Africa

The President of the Economic Community of West African States Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, has called for stronger regional unity, democratic governance, and accelerated economic integration as the regional bloc marked its 51st anniversary. In a message commemorating the anniversary, Touray said the theme for this year's celebration, "Build the ECOWAS of the Future, Today," reflected the need for West African nations to take deliberate and collective actions toward securing a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated region. He said that for over five decades, ECOWAS had remained a symbol of cooperation and shared aspirations among member states, noting that the bloc had made significant progress in advancing regional integration. According to him, ECOWAS has facilitated free movement across borders, strengthened intra-regional trade, implemented a Common External Tariff, and developed critical infrastructure linking capitals and markets across the sub-region. Touray also highlighted efforts toward establishing a single regional currency, expanding digital connectivity, and building a regional electricity market. "We have stood together in the face of epidemics, insecurity, and natural disasters, offering humanitarian support and strengthening healthcare and food systems," he said. The ECOWAS Commission president further noted that the organisation had invested in gender equality, youth empowerment, and human capital development while continuing to promote democracy and regional stability through election observation missions and deployment of its Standby Force. Despite these achievements, Touray acknowledged that the region continued to face major challenges, including terrorism, climate change, poverty, economic inequality, and unconstitutional changes of government. "The challenges we face today are formidable. But so too is our collective will to surmount them," he stated, adding that ECOWAS remained "better and stronger together as a Community." He commended member states for their resilience and commitment to regional integration ideals, stressing the need to deepen solidarity and implement policies that would deliver direct benefits to citizens. Addressing citizens of the sub-region, Touray described them as "the true heartbeat" of the Community, saying ECOWAS must remain people-driven and responsive to the aspirations of West Africans. ALSO READ: Charges against politicians magically disappear once they join APC — Atiku "Our vision of integration is ultimately about improving your daily lives, creating opportunities for our youth, empowering women, facilitating trade, and ensuring peace and security across our borders," he said. Touray also praised staff of ECOWAS institutions and agencies for their dedication and professionalism, saying greater innovation and collaboration would be required to build the future envisioned for the bloc. He urged governments, institutions, and citizens across the region to renew their commitment to the founding ideals of ECOWAS and work collectively toward a resilient and prosperous West Africa. "Building the ECOWAS of the future today means investing in peace and security, strengthening regional economic integration, advancing digital transformation, and fostering a culture of accountability and good governance," he added.