The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Aieu Omar Tourey has outlined the major challenges confronting African countries, including multi-lateralism, the rise of multi-polarity, new technologies, and the entrenchment of terrorism and violent extremism in the Sahel.
Dr Tourey noted that these issues profoundly affect the ability of member states to achieve the objectives of ECOWAS Vision 2050.
Speaking at the opening session of the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Abuja, Nigeria, he said the attainment of Vision 2050 is today impacted by changes in the global landscape and dynamics within the region.
“The ECOWAS should deliberate and take decisions on matters affecting the integration, peace and development of the ECOWAS Community.
“The strength of ECOWAS is in its convening power,” Dr Tourey said.
According to Dr Tourey, recent events have demonstrated the meaning of regional solidarity in ECOWAS.
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Dr Tourey said; “First it was Guinea-Bissau, where peaceful and transparent elections were torpedoed by military intervention with the facilitation of political actors. Then came the unfortunate attempted coup in the Republic of Benin, which met with a swift and resolute action of ECOWAS led by Nigeria.
The regional response has been measured, but the firm and swift action of the ECOWAS Heads of State shows their commitment to democratic values and stability in the region.”
He recalled that on 7 December, ECOWAS deployed both moral and military support to secure democracy in Benin and, by extension, in the region.
Dr Tourey said; The Chair of Authority, President Julius Maada Bio, in coordination with his peers, President Bola Tinubu, President John Mahama, and President Alhassane Ouattara, as the Commanders-in-Chief of their Armed Forces, led their Republican Armed Forces to join the Republican Armed Forces of Benin to thwart the coup attempt.”
He said the Summit on the Future will focus on revitalising the integration process.
“We are reinvigorating our economic integration objectives by moving forward with the operationalization of the ECOWAS Business Council,” he said.
Dr Tourey said that Alhaji Aliko Dangote has accepted ECOWAS’ invitation to serve as the pioneer Chairperson of the Council, bringing his vast experience in business across the community and Africa.
He said; “Through the Council, we hope to get the private sector actors to help with mobilising regional capital and developing the comparative advantage of our member states. Intra-regional investment is a key driver of trade in our community.
We must therefore give preference to our regional private sector actors, support and encourage them. The ECOWAS Business Council will facilitate dialogue and partnership between the private sector and governments, with the facilitation of ECOWAS institutions.”
Dr Tourey further disclosed that the Chair of Authority has directed the Commission to organise a West African Economic Investment Summit.
“Hopefully in the near future, we will be having our Davos Summit-like platform for our Community, where regional economic investment will be coordinated and progress regularly monitored.”
The Commission President called on ECOWAS leaders to engage vigorously with issues confronting the community with wisdom, foresight and mutual respect.
“I commend the Chair of Authority, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, for sustaining this legacy, especially at this difficult time in the evolution of our region. The unwavering commitment of the Chair and attention to community matters are highly commendable,” Dr Tourey added.