The Gambian High Commissioner and Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, Mohamadou Musa Njie, has urged member states of the bloc to commit to democracy, constitutional order and regional solidarity, with Nigeria taking the lead.
Njie made the call at the Voice of Nigeria (VON) Forum 2026 held in Abuja, themed “51 Years of Nigeria’s Role in Deepening Democratic Stability in ECOWAS.”
He said strengthening regional institutions, upholding the will of the people and responding decisively to threats against peace and stability were critical to sustaining progress in the sub-region.
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The envoy noted that the forum provided an opportunity to reflect on the region’s shared journey towards democratic consolidation, peace and deeper integration, while commending Nigeria’s leadership within ECOWAS.
“Nigeria’s contribution to ECOWAS has been of fundamental significance. For over fifty years, Nigeria has consistently demonstrated remarkable dedication to the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and effective governance throughout the region.”
He said Nigeria’s leadership had played a key role in positioning ECOWAS as a credible and responsive institution capable of mitigating political instability and promoting collective security.
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Reflecting on The Gambia’s experience, Njie said Nigeria’s support during the 2016 post-election impasse remained a defining moment in the country’s democratic history.
“Nigeria’s support during the 2016 post-election impasse remains a defining moment in our democratic history. Nigeria’s firm stance on justice, constitutional order, and regional solidarity fostered gratitude in the Gambian public and a shared sense of responsibility within ECOWAS.”
He described Nigeria’s intervention as a strong affirmation of its commitment to democratic values, the rule of law and transparent electoral processes, adding that the presence of ECOMIG continued to provide stability and support to The Gambia’s democratic transition and institutional reforms.
Njie said The Gambia remained grateful for Nigeria’s partnership and would continue to collaborate with ECOWAS member states to promote peace, strengthen democratic institutions, and advance good governance across the region.
“It will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Nigeria and other ECOWAS member states in promoting peace, strengthening democratic institutions, and advancing good governance across our region.”
He added that Nigeria’s contribution to the ECOWAS Standby Force underscored its central role in regional security, enhancing conflict prevention, crisis management and peacekeeping efforts across West Africa.
Njie, however, noted that challenges such as political instability, security threats, food insecurity and limited trade integration persisted in the region.
“As our region faces ongoing issues such as political instability, security threats, food insecurity, and limited integration of commodities and trade, addressing these challenges demands more purposeful intra-West Africa cooperation, citizen-focused leadership, and a strong commitment to our people.”
He urged ECOWAS member states to deepen cooperation, invest in preventive diplomacy and ensure regional mechanisms were adequately resourced to respond swiftly to emerging threats.
“Together, we should seize this moment to build a more resilient ECOWAS, one that prioritises our people and fosters confidence among our citizens, one that not only responds to crises but also prevents them.”
Njie commended the VON for organising the forum and congratulated Nigeria on its contributions to regional peace and democratic advancement.