ECOWAS pushes for regional integration, experts gather to establish economic, social, cultural council for West Africa

In a landmark effort to bolster regional integration and address socio-economic challenges, the ECOWAS Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security has initiated a crucial meeting of experts to establish the Economic, Social and Cultural Council for West Africa (ECOSOCC-WA).

Experts from various sectors, including economy, finance, social affairs, culture, and governance, gathered in Cotonou from June 12 to 13, 2024, to discuss and validate the structures and processes necessary to operationalize this vital platform.

The ECOSOCC-WA aims to enhance the participation of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the private sector in realizing ECOWAS Vision 2050, which envisions “Peace and Prosperity for All.”

Ambassador Amadou Diongue, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Benin, underscored the importance of this initiative, stating, “The creation of ESCC-WA has never been more urgent than at a time when our region is experiencing democratic and security setbacks. ECOWAS must work to meet the deep aspirations of the people in our community.”

The meeting featured insights from H.E. Toga Gayewea McIntosh, former Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission, who provided a historical overview of ECOSOCC-WA, highlighting its foundation in the revised 1993 ECOWAS treaty.

Ambassador Musa Nuhu, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, officially launched the meeting, emphasizing the council’s role in enhancing civil society participation in regional decision-making processes.

“The ECOSOCC-WA is designed to improve the participation of civil society in decisions taken in our Member States, as CSOs are essential in addressing the growing instability in the region,” he remarked.

The two-day meeting aims to achieve several key outcomes, including the adoption of a foundational framework and structures for ECOSOCC-WA, the drafting of its charter and statutes, and the development of a three-year work program and indicative budget. Participants will also explore the strategic importance of ECOSOCC-WA in addressing current and potential challenges in the ECOWAS region.

The results and recommendations from this expert meeting will be presented to ministers in charge of economy, social, and cultural sectors for further validation, leading to their consideration and adoption at forthcoming ECOWAS statutory meetings, including those of the Administration and Finance Committee, the Parliament, the Council of Ministers, and the Authority of Heads of State and Government.