Ecowas President Calls For Solidarity And Action Towards Shared Prosperity on 48th Anniversary
Abuja – On the occasion of the 48th anniversary of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States), His Excellency Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, delivered a powerful speech addressing the staff of ECOWAS institutions, urging solidarity and action towards shared prosperity in the region.
By Lennart Dodoo
Speaking on ECOWAS Day, commemorated annually on May 28th, President Touray paid tribute to the visionary founding fathers and the immense sacrifices made by member states and citizens in creating a single socio-economic and political space aimed at fostering peace and prosperity for all. He expressed gratitude to the Heads of State and Government for their unwavering commitment to the vision of the founding fathers and their continuous investment in preserving the community’s integrity while advancing socio-economic integration, peace, security, and stability.
President Touray acknowledged the palpable challenges faced by the region and emphasized the critical role of the ECOWAS institutions in addressing them. He highlighted the persistent threats of violent conflicts and terrorism, which continue to claim innocent lives and destroy property. Mali and Burkina Faso were specifically mentioned as countries grappling with intensifying violence, prompting the President to condemn these acts and extend condolences to affected families and authorities. He reiterated the call for international support in combating terrorism and organized crime in the region.
The humanitarian situation was also addressed, with President Touray attributing its growth to conflicts, climate change, and environmental degradation. Additionally, the global economic crisis and its implications, such as skyrocketing food and fuel prices, pose further challenges to the region’s prosperity. President Touray stressed the need for collective security and self-reliance to overcome these obstacles and promote the well-being of the region’s citizens.
Addressing the staff directly, President Touray affirmed that their role in tackling the aforementioned challenges had already been defined. He expressed satisfaction with the ECOWAS institutions’ efforts to prioritize internal audits, including the recruitment process for vacant positions. The President assured the staff that their well-being and welfare would remain a focal point for the management, commending the Amazons, a group within the institutions, for their instrumental role in promoting gender equality.
President Touray acknowledged the significance of partnerships and expressed gratitude for the continued support of development partners. These collaborations have aided the promotion of development, addressing challenges in various areas of mutual interest. He emphasized the importance of visibility, citizen engagement, and accountability going forward, while remaining open to further collaborations and partnerships.
Regarding the strategic objectives of ECOWAS, President Touray highlighted progress made in enhancing peace and security, such as the implementation of the ECOWAS Action Plan against Terrorism and strengthening the ECOWAS standby force. Efforts to tackle governance and political stability challenges were doubled, including preventive diplomacy and support during political transitions. The President stressed the importance of deepening regional integration, particularly by removing trade barriers and enhancing trade facilitation through various initiatives.
President Touray emphasized the fourth strategic objective of inclusive and sustainable development, which involves improving food security, supporting internally displaced persons and refugees, and developing transport and energy infrastructure. He recognized capable institutions and equitable partnerships as vital enablers of ECOWAS’s work and performance, noting ongoing reforms in institutional processes and resources.
President Touray expressed his gratitude to the staff and management of ECOWAS institutions for their commitment and support. He called for a renewed dedication to the ideals of the community, emphasizing the pursuit of shared prosperity. The President extended his warm wishes to everyone on the occasion of the 48th anniversary of ECOWAS and expressed hope for increased peace, security, stability, and prosperity in the region.
