The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has acknowledged facing serious integration challenges and is calling for greater unity, solidarity, and fraternity to preserve the bloc’s achievements.
Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, conveyed this message at the 37th Ordinary Meeting of the Administration and Finance Committee (AFC) held Sunday at the ECOWAS headquarters in Abuja.
Touray, represented by Vice President Mrs. Damtien Tchintchibidja, highlighted that the meeting aimed to assess the mid-term progress of ECOWAS institutions in implementing key decisions, projects, and programmes.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the meeting comes amid financial strain and the impact of recent withdrawals by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, all of which threaten the cohesion and future of the 15-nation bloc.
“Our organisation is at a crossroads,” Touray said. “We must address the pressing issues that hinder our progress and reaffirm our commitment to peace, development, and regional stability.”
He stressed the need to accelerate institutional, political, organisational, and security reforms in response to the ongoing crisis. The commission, he revealed, plans to convene a special summit on the future of ECOWAS, in line with directives from regional leaders.
Consultations ahead of the summit will include broad participation from youth and women to ensure inclusive planning for the community’s future.
“ECOWAS belongs to all of us—each citizen contributes through collective commitment, unity, and a shared vision for a prosperous region,” Touray added.
Prof. Nazifi Darma, ECOWAS Commissioner for Internal Services, addressed the challenges posed by reduced donor funding. He announced plans to modernise the commission’s communication systems through newly procured infrastructure and called on member states to develop innovative, homegrown funding models.
“We must rethink how we generate and utilise resources, especially as international aid continues to decline,” he said.
AFC Chairman, Ambassador Olawale Awe, echoed the urgency of addressing institutional gaps, particularly in staffing and financial contributions following the exit of the Sahel states.
“To maintain momentum and deliver on our mandate, we must act decisively and avoid institutional stagnation,” he stated.
The event was attended by high-ranking ECOWAS officials, including commissioners, parliamentarians, representatives of the Community Court, resident representatives, and heads of ECOWAS institutions and agencies. (NAN)
