Rising against mounting security, political and economic threats confronting West Africa, ministers of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have reaffirmed their collective resolve to strengthen regional unity, democracy and integration.
The commitment was reiterated at the close of the 95th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, chaired by Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba, who described the two-day meeting as successful and forward-looking.
Kabba said ministers engaged in open and constructive discussions on key challenges shaping the region’s future, including violent extremism in the Sahel, the proliferation of small arms, transnational organised crime, maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea, unconstitutional changes of government, climate change and economic integration.
According to him, the deliberations reaffirmed that while the threats facing the sub-region are complex, they can be effectively addressed through unity, solidarity and a combination of diplomatic and operational measures under the ECOWAS framework.
The Council also reviewed political developments in some member states, with Kabba stressing that democracy, constitutional order and the rule of law remain non-negotiable principles for the regional bloc.
On economic integration, ministers underscored the need to accelerate implementation of key regional initiatives, including the ECOWAS Single Currency, free movement protocols and the Customs Union, as a means of boosting intra-regional trade and strengthening economic resilience amid global uncertainties.
Humanitarian and climate-related challenges, such as food insecurity, displacement, epidemics and natural disasters, also featured prominently, with ministers agreeing on the need for a coordinated and proactive regional response, including stronger early warning systems and improved preparedness.
Kabba commended the ECOWAS Commission and the Government of Nigeria for the successful hosting of the session, and acknowledged the contributions of permanent representatives, conference secretariat and interpreters.
He said the Council had developed specific recommendations to be forwarded to the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, urging ministers to sustain the momentum by implementing agreed decisions and maintaining close coordination.
The ECOWAS chairman reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s strong commitment to the regional bloc and formally declared the 95th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers closed, wishing delegates safe travels back to their respective countries.