The President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, has called on member states and citizens to work collectively toward building a more resilient, unified, and stronger West Africa.

In an official message commemorating the 51st anniversary of the regional bloc, Touray emphasised that the future of the sub-region rests heavily on the decisions, actions, and commitments made by its leaders and populations today.

Reflecting on this year’s anniversary theme, “Build the ECOWAS of the Future, Today,” Touray described the directive as both a statement of intent and a crucial call to action. He noted that the ideal future envisioned for West Africa will not materialise by chance but must instead be consciously constructed through positive choices and upheld agreements.

While acknowledging that ECOWAS has achieved significant milestones since its establishment on May 28, 1975, including the promotion of regional infrastructure, free border movement, intra-regional trade, and active peacekeeping, he reminded stakeholders that substantial hurdles remain. He specifically pointed to unconstitutional changes of government, terrorism, poverty, and climate change as persistent challenges threatening regional stability.

Touray reasserted that unity remains the bloc’s primary strength in overcoming these socio-economic and security difficulties. He urged member states to deepen regional solidarity, enhance democratic governance, and accelerate the rollout of regional policies designed to directly improve the livelihoods of West African citizens.

–ChannelAfrica–