The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) celebrated its 50th anniversary today with a powerful message from the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr Omar Alieu Touray, who reflected on the community’s achievements and outlined a bold vision for its future.
Dr Touray paid tribute to the founding leaders of the bloc, who on May 28, 1975, united 15 West African nations with the aim of fostering cooperation, integration, and collective development.
He described ECOWAS as a symbol of the shared aspirations of over 400 million citizens and a testament to the region’s resilience and unity.
Highlighting key achievements, Dr Touray noted progress in facilitating free movement, advancing trade, and enhancing infrastructure. He also pointed to significant developments such as the implementation of a Common External Tariff, strides toward a single currency, improved regional electricity and digital connectivity, and strengthened responses to health and security challenges. ECOWAS has also played a vital role in promoting democracy, human rights, and peace through election monitoring and peacekeeping missions.
While celebrating these milestones, Dr Touray emphasised the need for renewed commitment to tackling ongoing challenges, including terrorism, climate change, political instability, and economic inequality. He urged member states to remain united and to recommit to an “ECOWAS of the People,” where peace, prosperity, and justice are not just ideals but lived realities.
As the region looks to the next fifty years, Dr Touray called for bold action, innovation, and inclusive development. “Together, we will build the ECOWAS of tomorrow—an ECOWAS of Peace and Prosperity for all,” he said.
The 50th anniversary marks not just a celebration of past achievements, but a call to collective action for a stronger, more secure, and more integrated West Africa.
