Commemoration Of The 49th Anniversary of ECOWAS: the Representation in Benin Celebrates the Event Around the Theme: ‘Strengthening Regional Unity, Peace and Security’

On 28 May 2024, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Representation in Benin celebrated the 49th anniversary of the creation of the sub-regional institution with a cocktail reception at the Salle Polyvalente of the Palais des Congrès in Cotonou. This commemorative ceremony was attended by several members of the diplomatic and consular corps accredited to Benin, Beninese authorities, presidents and former presidents of institutions, eminent personalities and members of the Union of ECOWAS Nationals.

In his address, Ambassador Amadou DIONGUE spoke of the challenges of sub-regional integration and highlighted the achievements of the organisation over its 49 years of existence. He also expressed his wishes for progress in view of the many challenges facing the Institution, in keeping with the theme of the 49th anniversary: ‘Strengthening Regional Unity, Peace and Security’.  The Resident Representative expressed his conviction that the forces of unity and integration will prevail for prosperity, solidarity and democracy in West Africa.

On this occasion, the Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Mrs MASSIM-OUALI AFFO Alice, thanked ECOWAS, on behalf of the Government of Benin, for its efforts to support the Government Action Programme (GAP) of President Patrice TALON.

The Representation has organised a series of activities for various publics as part of the celebration of the 49th anniversary of ECOWAS. These activities included the finals of the second edition of the Genius in the Making competition for secondary schools, the first edition of the Public Speaking Competition, which pits the country’s four public universities against each other, and a multi-stakeholder forum (academics, state institutions, civil society, diplomatic missions and representatives of certain ECOWAS entities) to provide an opportunity to listen to different opinions on the state and future of the Community.