ECOWAS Celebrates 51 Years of Regional Integration in Côte d’Ivoire, Mobilizing Women for Vision 2050 and Lasting Peace
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) marked its 51st anniversary with a series of commemorative activities held on June 8 and 9, 2026, in Grand-Bassam, Côte d’Ivoire. The events focused on the themes of peace, regional integration, and civic engagement, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in achieving these goals.
Promoting Vision 2050
The celebrations commenced on June 8 with a workshop aimed at promoting ECOWAS Vision 2050 and the Early Warning and Response System. This initiative seeks to enhance peace and prosperity within the community. The workshop attracted a diverse group of participants, including queen mothers, leaders of women’s organizations, civil society representatives, institutional partners, media personnel, and community stakeholders.
Chaired by Ms. Fathmah Mahan, Acting Resident Representative of ECOWAS in Côte d’Ivoire, alongside Mr. Minourou Sylla, who represented Her Excellency Ms. Sandra Folquet, the Ambassador and Director of the ECOWAS National Office in Côte d’Ivoire, the meeting raised awareness about ECOWAS’s Vision 2050. This vision aims to create an “ECOWAS of the People: Peace and Prosperity for All.”
The workshop featured presentations from Mr. Daniel Bodo Lago, former Legal Director of ECOWAS, and Mr. Yves Konan, Program Officer and ECOWAS Focal Point at WANEP. Their insights provided participants with a deeper understanding of the Vision 2050 framework, the institutional architecture of ECOWAS, and the regional mechanisms established to foster peace, stability, and integration. Discussions also addressed the security challenges facing West Africa and highlighted the crucial role of communities, especially women, in early warning and conflict prevention efforts.
Official Anniversary Celebration
The official celebration continued on June 9, 2026, attended by numerous government officials, traditional leaders, community representatives, and diplomats. Notable attendees included Ms. Sandra Folquet, representing Her Excellency Ms. Nialé Kaba, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, African Integration, and Ivorians Abroad; Mr. Minourou Sylla, representing the Deputy Minister for African Integration; and Ms. Fathmah Mahan.
In her remarks, Ms. Mahan emphasized that since its establishment on May 28, 1975, ECOWAS has been dedicated to promoting regional integration, the free movement of people and goods, peace, security, and socio-economic development across West Africa.
Participants acknowledged the organization’s numerous achievements over the past fifty-one years, particularly in conflict prevention and management, regional trade facilitation, infrastructure development, education, health, and the empowerment of women and youth. They also recognized the strengthening of democracy and governance in the region.
A message from His Excellency Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, Chairperson of the ECOWAS Commission, was screened during the event, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to building a stronger, more resilient community that aligns with the aspirations of its citizens.
Honoring Dedicated Service
A significant highlight of the anniversary celebration was the tribute paid to Mr. Sondo Hamidou for his twenty-one years of dedicated service at the ECOWAS Permanent Representation in Côte d’Ivoire. His professionalism and loyalty were commended by all participants, reflecting the high regard in which he is held within the organization.
Through these commemorative activities, the ECOWAS Permanent Representation in Côte d’Ivoire reiterated its commitment to strengthening the bond between the organization and the people. The sessions fostered a better understanding of community policies, programs, and mechanisms, while also addressing the challenges that the West African region continues to face.
The anniversary celebration served as a platform to reflect on the progress made since ECOWAS’s founding and to renew the collective commitment to a more integrated, peaceful, resilient, and prosperous West Africa.
Source: www.zawya.com
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Published on 2026-06-13 19:46:00 • By the Editorial Desk
