By Atoyebi Nike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has acknowledged growing challenges to regional integration, pledging stronger unity and urgent reforms in response to recent setbacks.
At the 37th Ordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Administration and Finance Committee (AFC) held Sunday in Abuja, Commission President Dr. Omar Touray — represented by Vice President Damtien Tchintchibidja — warned that the bloc is facing an “existential crisis.”
The meeting reviewed progress on programmes and projects, including the impact of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger’s withdrawal from the bloc. Touray said ECOWAS must act quickly to safeguard 50 years of regional integration and development.
“Our organization is at a crossroads,” he said. “We must strengthen unity, solidarity, and fraternity to build a peaceful and stable region.”
Touray revealed that a major summit on the future of ECOWAS would soon be convened, with broad consultations involving youth and women. He stressed that reforms must address political, security, and institutional weaknesses.
ECOWAS Internal Services Commissioner Prof. Nazifi Darma also spoke, citing declining global donor support. He urged member states to adopt new resource mobilization strategies, noting recent investments in communications infrastructure.
AFC Chairman Amb. Olawale Awe called for decisive action to address staffing gaps and the revenue shortfall caused by the withdrawal of the Sahel countries. “We must act to sustain the Commission’s momentum,” he said.
The meeting drew high-level ECOWAS officials, including commissioners, parliamentarians, and representatives of the Community Court and other institutions.
