The Economic Community of West African States has acknowledged facing significant integration challenges following the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the bloc.
At the 37th ordinary meeting of the ECOWAS Administration and Finance Committee held Sunday in Abuja, the regional body outlined plans to strengthen unity and address pressing financial and structural issues.
ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Touray, represented by Vice President Mrs. Damtien Tchintchibidja, described the organization as being at a critical crossroads.
“As you know, our organization is currently going through an existential crisis, and in such circumstances, we must sit down together and pose and examine the problems and challenges facing us,” Touray stated. The meeting evaluated mid-term implementation of ECOWAS programs and addressed the financial strain caused by recent departures from the bloc.
Touray emphasized the urgent need for collective action, noting “Our organization is at a crossroads, and this calls for a strong capacity to overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of integration and to project ourselves into the future. But beyond all that, we must be aware and recognise that our strength lies in unity, solidarity and fraternity, moving forward together on the road to development, in peace and stability.”
The ECOWAS leader revealed plans for comprehensive reforms, including an upcoming summit on the future of the regional body. “Prior consultations will be organised, including with young people and women, to take into account all the needs for the future of the community,” he said, stressing that “ECOWAS is in all of us: you here today, me, and all the citizens of our community space. It lives through our collective commitment, our solidarity, our fraternity and our shared desire to build a more prosperous and forward-looking region.”
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ECOWAS Commissioner for Internal Services Prof. Nazifi Darma highlighted financial challenges, noting declining global aid. “Donor support is diminishing in the new world order. We must begin to explore indigenous, creative approaches to finance and service delivery within the region,” Darma said, explaining recent investments in communications infrastructure to modernize operations.
AFC Chairman Amb. Olawale Awe called for urgent action to address staffing gaps and revenue shortfalls from the Sahel states’ withdrawal. “We must act decisively to fill these institutional voids to maintain the momentum of our mandate. The Commission cannot afford stagnation at a time when the region demands progress,” Awe emphasized.
The meeting brought together ECOWAS dignitaries including commissioners, parliamentarians, Community Court representatives, and heads of various ECOWAS institutions to strategize on preserving 50 years of regional integration achievements amid current challenges.
