92nd Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers: the President of the ECOWAS Commission calls for a special summit to discuss the future of the Community

ECOWAS Member states Ministers in charge of Foreign Affair have converged in Abuja, today, Thursday, 4th July, 2024 for the ninety-second (92nd) ordinary session of ECOWAS Council of Ministers, which serves as a crucial platform for reviewing ECOWAS programs and addressing key regional issues.

In his opening remarks, ECOWAS Commission President H.E. Dr. Omar Touray outlined several critical topics for discussion. These included the socio-economic, security, and political conditions within the community, the financial status of ECOWAS institutions, challenges in Community Levy mobilization, and the implementation of previous tasks.

President TOURAY also highlighted the need for Special Summit to reassess ECOWAS’s integration, governance, relations with external partners, community norms, and approaches to emerging issues such as new technologies, social media, fake news, and multipolarity. “The developmental goal of ECOWAS integration is being questioned due to various crises. Unity and solidarity are crucial. The upcoming Summit aims to establish minimum cooperation points for member states to address community-wide issues,” said President TOURAY.

He reiterated the high regard ECOWAS holds within Africa and urged for unity of purpose to ensure shared prosperity and a stronger community. He also called for increased contributions to the 2021-2024 Action Plan against Terrorism, stressing the need for a finalized financing plan for the ECOWAS Counter-terrorism Force, which is one of the outcomes from the recently concluded meetings of Ministers of Finance and Defence, where they tasked member states with proposing mandatory contributions to finance the fund to aid the fight against terrorism.

Dr. TOURAY stated that despite ongoing efforts to engage with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger regarding their withdrawal from ECOWAS and transition to civilian rule, significant progress remains elusive. However, positive assurances have been received from Guinea regarding community unity. President Touray emphasized the importance of pooling resources and pursuing collective self-reliance to overcome challenges like food insecurity, inflation, violent extremism, forced displacements, unemployment, and geopolitical tensions. “The developmental goal of ECOWAS integration is being questioned due to various crises. Unity and solidarity are crucial. The upcoming Summit aims to establish minimum cooperation points for member states to address community-wide issues,” said the President oft he ECOWAS Commission.

He reiterated the high regard ECOWAS holds within Africa and urged for unity of purpose to ensure shared prosperity and a stronger community. He also called for increased contributions to the 2021-2024 Action Plan against Terrorism, stressing the need for a finalized financing plan for the ECOWAS Counter-terrorism Force.

H.E. Yusuf Maitama TUGGAR, Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria and Chairman of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, echoed these sentiments in his welcome address. He acknowledged the significant progress made by ECOWAS towards regional integration, economic growth, and security but highlighted the complex challenges that remain. “Our region still faces complex challenges that require dedication, commitment, and concerted action. I implore all of us to maintain the strength of unity and cooperation that has always guided our deliberations,” said H.E. TUGGAR.

This session’s agenda will address diverse and pressing issues facing the community, including updates on the financial situation, the status of tasks assigned to Community Institutions, and the resolutions of the 35th Administration and Finance Committee. The goal is to ensure fiscal prudence and transparency while promoting socio-economic integration and strengthening diversity through shared perspectives and experiences.

The Council of Minister ends tomorrow, 5th July 2024, with an adopted recommendations that would be presented at the Summit of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government for validation, schedule to take place in Abuja, on Sunday, 7th July, 2024.