ECOWAS remains crucial for regional cooperation – Commission President

The President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, has defended the community, describing it as a crucial institution in fostering cooperation among member states in economic development, peace and security.

At a press conference in Abuja, he stated that the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS was a sovereign decision. However, he emphasised that since its inception, ECOWAS has demonstrated to both the community and the world the vital role it plays in the sub-region, as well as the value of membership.

“This is the only region on the continent where, with a simple ID card, you can move from one end to another. I am not saying there are no problems, but legally, you can move from one end to another,” he said.

“You can pick up your passport, hop on a plane and go anywhere else without having to go through all these visa problems. This is also a region where member states can trade freely among themselves with produce that qualifies under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme,” he added.

Commitment to regional development

Dr Touray reaffirmed ECOWAS' commitment to executing its mandate in accordance with the principles outlined in its treaty and protocols for the collective advancement of the region’s citizens.

“Certainly, to be able to do this, we will have to work on peace and security, we will have to work on governance. These are areas that remain important to ECOWAS, and ECOWAS leaders have underlined their commitment to these principles,” he stated.

On addressing security challenges in the region, Dr Touray called for continuous collaboration among member states, other countries, and institutions.

“ECOWAS sees the security of each and every one of us to be closely tied, and for that reason, security collaboration will continue at all levels, not only within West Africa but across the continent,” he added.

Regional solidarity amid withdrawals

Despite the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, ECOWAS has urged member states to continue recognising these countries “in the spirit of regional solidarity and in the interest of the people, as well as the decision of the ECOWAS Authority to keep ECOWAS’ doors open.”