As the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) commemorates its 49th anniversary on May 28, the President of the commission, Omar Touray said insecurity has continued to threaten the region despite its achievements.
Touray’s assertion was contained in a statement made available to THE WHISTLER on Tuesday, where he called on the region, to regardless,
recall some of the commission’s positive results.
“These achievements can be seen in many areas including free movement of our people, intra-community trade, regional energy, and transport infrastructure, governance as well as in peace and Security.
“ECOWAS may have realised many achievements, but the Community continues to face a number of challenges.
“As we celebrate our 49th anniversary, insecurity continues to threaten our region.
“Some of our member states are battling terrorist groups on a daily basis and a large number of our population face displacement and food insecurity.”
Touray noted that it was pertinent that the region stays united to successfully win the war against insecurity. “But it is our unity which now stands threatened,” he said.
He called on the member states to do everything to preserve the unity, even as it aligns with the theme of this year’s anniversary: ‘Strengthening regional unity, peace and security’.
The theme, according to Touray was chosen to reflect the region’s current challenges and the need to work to preserve regional unity and peace as envisioned by its founding fathers like General Yakubu Gowon who ensured the security and integrity of the region was protected.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank our leaders, both past and present, members of the Community as well as the staff of all ECOWAS institutions and agencies for the sacrifices they make every day to promote our community objectives.
“I would also like to extend my gratitude to all our local and international partners for their consistent support to ECOWAS in the implementation of the various community projects and programmes.
“We are convinced that in unity, we will preserve peace and strengthen our actions for the security of our Member States and our people.
“Through unity, we will preserve regional stability and the harmonious political and socio-economic development of our community,” Touray said.