Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, has called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to reaffirm its commitment to defending constitutional order, fostering inclusive political dialogue, and addressing the aspirations of the region’s youth amid rising coups and insecurity.
Speaking at the opening of the 95th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers in Abuja, Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasized the need for ECOWAS to proactively tackle ongoing political instability, including military takeovers and issues like banditry and kidnappings. She pointed out that these challenges threaten both democratic values and development achievements within member states.
According to her, “Recent years have witnessed political instability and lack of inclusivity, including forceful unconstitutional changes of government. These situations challenge not only the democratic values to which we have all subscribed, but also threaten hard-won development gains.”
The minister urged ECOWAS to accelerate economic integration that would benefit all citizens, particularly the youth, who comprise about 65% of the region’s population. She highlighted the importance of regional economic collaboration, shared markets, and increased mobility, stressing that the community’s growth hinges on these factors.
She also reflected on ECOWAS’s achievements over the past 50 years, such as the establishment of free movement and frameworks for economic integration and peacekeeping efforts. She reiterated the necessity for the regional body to confront its challenges head-on to uphold the principles of unity and solidarity among member states.
In support of these initiatives, Sierra Leonean Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Timothy Kabba, underscored the importance of fostering an environment conducive to private sector growth and addressing trade gaps within the region. He encouraged the use of existing mechanisms to boost intra-regional trade and investment.
Kabba emphasized that enhanced cooperation and mutual understanding among member states are crucial for resolving security and political challenges in the region. He urged members of the council of ministers to reflect on these broader issues and to renew their commitment to safeguarding democracy and ensuring stability for the region’s populations.
