By peterside Rejoice Eneky
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has acknowledged rising challenges to regional integration and is calling for renewed unity, solidarity, and reform to address them.
Dr. Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, made this known at the 37th Ordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Administration and Finance Committee (AFC) held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Sunday. Touray, represented by Vice President Mrs. Damtien Tchintchibidja, warned that the bloc was facing an existential crisis.
“Our organisation is at a crossroads,” Touray said. “This calls for the capacity to overcome obstacles to integration and to project ourselves into a future of peace, development, and stability.”
The meeting, convened to evaluate the mid-term implementation of ECOWAS programmes, also addressed the community’s financial challenges and the impact of the recent withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the bloc.
Touray said the departure of the three Sahel countries presented serious threats to five decades of integration achievements, urging member states to remain committed to shared goals. “We must move forward together, aware that our strength lies in unity and fraternity,” he stressed.
He disclosed that the Commission would soon convene a summit on the future of ECOWAS, in line with the directives of the Authority of Heads of State and Government. He added that consultations would include youth and women to ensure inclusivity in shaping reforms.
Prof. Nazifi Darma, ECOWAS Commissioner for Internal Services, highlighted the need to modernise the Commission’s communications infrastructure in response to global changes in aid and financing. He urged member states to explore indigenous and innovative ways of generating resources.
“Donor support is shrinking. We must rethink how we finance and deliver services within the region,” Darma said.
Also speaking, Ambassador Olawale Awe, Chairman of the AFC, emphasised the urgency of addressing staffing gaps and the impact of the Sahel states’ withdrawal on the community levy.
“The Commission cannot afford stagnation at a time when the region demands progress,” he said.
The session was attended by key ECOWAS figures, including commissioners, parliamentarians, representatives from the Community Court, heads of institutions and agencies, and resident representatives.
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