NEW AMBASSADORS REAFFIRM COMMITMENT TO ENHANCING COOPERATION WITH ECOWAS

Eight newly accredited ambassadors have presented their letters of credence to the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, during a formal ceremony held on Monday, 24 February 2025, at the ECOWAS headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria.

The newly accredited envoys include H.E. Gautier Mignot, Ambassador of the European Union Delegation; H.E. Marc Fonbaustier, Ambassador of France; H.E. Sanna Selin, Ambassador of Finland; H.E. Francisco Edu Ngua Mangue, Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea; H.E. Pankyu Kim, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea; and H.E. Hocine Mezoued, Ambassador of Algeria.

In addition, H.E. Dr. Julius Sandy, High Commissioner of Sierra Leone, and H.E. Archbishop Michael Crotty, Permanent Representative of the Holy See, also presented their letters of accreditation to the ECOWAS Commission President.

While receiving their credentials, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray congratulated the ambassadors on their appointments and assured them of the Commission’s unwavering support in facilitating the successful execution of their mandates.

The ECOWAS Commission President engaged with the envoys on the state of cooperation between their respective countries and ECOWAS, emphasizing the need for strengthened collaboration to advance regional economic integration.

H.E. Dr. Touray also underscored the pressing global and regional challenges, citing ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, Palestine, Somalia, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as persistent security threats, terrorism, and organized crime in West Africa.

He called for enhanced multilateral cooperation to address these challenges, reaffirming ECOWAS’ commitment to fostering sustainable development and stability in the region.

“We cannot achieve our objectives in isolation. Strong partnerships and collective action are essential to achieving meaningful progress,” he stated.

The newly accredited ambassadors commended H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray for his leadership and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening diplomatic and economic ties between ECOWAS and their respective countries.

They further pledged their support for West Africa’s ongoing efforts to consolidate peace, regional integration, and economic development.

The credential presentation ceremonies were attended by senior officials of the ECOWAS Commission, including H.E. Mambury Njie, Special Adviser on Economic and Financial Integration and Partnerships.