The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has marked its 51st anniversary with a series of events in Côte d’Ivoire, using the occasion to reinforce its long-term Vision 2050 strategy and deepen engagement with women’s groups and civil society across the region.
The commemorations, organised by the ECOWAS Permanent Representation in Côte d’Ivoire, took place on June 8 and 9 in Grand-Bassam under the theme of peace, regional integration and civic participation.
The anniversary activities brought together traditional leaders, women’s organisations, civil society representatives, government officials, diplomats and development partners, reflecting ECOWAS’s effort to broaden grassroots participation in regional governance.
A key focus of the programme was the promotion of ECOWAS Vision 2050, a long-term framework aimed at building what officials describe as an “ECOWAS of the people” anchored in peace, prosperity and deeper economic integration across West Africa.
The initiative also highlighted the region’s Early Warning and Response System, designed to detect and prevent conflict by improving coordination between national institutions, regional bodies and community-level actors.
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During a workshop held at the start of the commemorations, participants received briefings on the institutional architecture of ECOWAS and its conflict prevention mechanisms. Discussions emphasised the importance of community involvement in addressing emerging security threats, particularly in areas affected by instability and cross-border tensions.
Women’s leadership was a central theme of the event, with organisers mobilising queen mothers and women’s organisations to play a more active role in early warning systems and peacebuilding initiatives. ECOWAS officials stressed that women remain critical stakeholders in maintaining social cohesion and preventing conflict at the community level.
The sessions were led by former ECOWAS legal director Daniel Bodo Lago and WANEP programme officer Yves Konan, who provided insights into regional security dynamics and the implementation of peacebuilding frameworks across member states.
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Participants also discussed broader development challenges facing West Africa, including insecurity, economic disparities, infrastructure gaps and the need to strengthen democratic governance across the region.
At the official ceremony marking the anniversary, ECOWAS representatives highlighted the organisation’s achievements since its founding in 1975, including progress in trade facilitation, free movement of people and goods, infrastructure development, and efforts to promote peace and stability in member states.
Speaking on behalf of regional leadership, ECOWAS officials reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening integration and ensuring that community policies deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
A message from ECOWAS Commission Chairperson Omar Alieu Touray was also screened during the event, reiterating the organisation’s focus on building a more resilient and inclusive regional bloc aligned with citizens’ aspirations.
The anniversary also featured a tribute to long-serving staff member Sondo Hamidou, who was recognised for more than two decades of service at the ECOWAS Permanent Representation in Côte d’Ivoire.
Officials said the celebrations provided an opportunity not only to reflect on the organisation’s progress over the past five decades but also to assess ongoing challenges facing the region, including insecurity, economic pressures and governance issues in some member states.
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ECOWAS, established in May 1975, continues to position itself as a central platform for economic integration and political cooperation in West Africa. Its Vision 2050 strategy seeks to accelerate regional transformation by promoting sustainable development, stability and greater participation of citizens in governance processes.
As the bloc enters its sixth decade, officials say strengthening trust between regional institutions and local communities will be essential to achieving long-term peace and prosperity across West Africa.
