Abuja: The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is currently facing integration challenges and aims to tackle these issues by fostering unity, solidarity, and fraternity within the bloc. Dr Omar Touray, President of the commission, highlighted these concerns and outlined a plan of action during the 37th ordinary meeting of the ECOWAS Administration and Finance Committee (AFC) held at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the AFC’s crucial meeting was convened to assess the mid-term implementation of decisions, programmes, projects, and activities of ECOWAS institutions. Represented by ECOWAS Vice President Mrs Damtien Tchintchibidja, Dr Touray emphasized the need to evaluate ECOWAS’ challenging financial situation and address the negative impacts of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger’s withdrawal from the bloc to safeguard the integration achievements over the past 50 years.
Dr Touray stated that the AFC session would also provide updates to member states on the progress regarding recruitment within the commission’s institutions. He acknowledged that ECOWAS is experiencing an existential crisis and stressed the importance of collectively addressing the challenges and obstacles to integration, with a focus on development, peace, and stability.
Reflecting on ECOWAS’ recent fiftieth anniversary and the withdrawals of member states, Dr Touray underscored the urgency for institutional, organizational, political, and security reforms. He announced that the commission would soon convene a summit on the future of ECOWAS, in line with the decisions of the Heads of State and Government, and emphasized the importance of prior consultations with young people and women to address the community’s future needs.
Prof. Nazifi Darma, ECOWAS Commissioner for Internal Services, highlighted the need for new communications infrastructure to adapt to the evolving dynamics of global aid and financing. He urged member states to explore innovative, indigenous approaches to resource generation and utilization, as donor support continues to diminish.
AFC Chairman Amb. Olawale Awe stressed the importance of addressing staffing gaps across ECOWAS institutions and the community levy following the Sahel State’s withdrawal. He called for decisive actions to fill institutional voids and maintain the momentum of the commission’s mandate, stating that stagnation is not an option when the region demands progress.
The event was attended by distinguished ECOWAS dignitaries, including commissioners, parliamentarians, the Community Court, resident representatives, and heads of ECOWAS institutions and agencies.
