ECOWAS Faces Serious Integration Issues, Says Touray

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has acknowledged facing serious integration challenges, especially following the recent withdrawals of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. To address the situation, the bloc says it is prioritizing unity, solidarity, and institutional reform.

ECOWAS Commission President, Omar Touray, disclosed this at the 37th Ordinary Meeting of the Administration and Finance Committee (AFC) held Sunday in Abuja. Represented by Vice President Damtien Tchintchibidja, Touray said the mid-term review of ECOWAS programmes is aimed at assessing the bloc’s financial condition and improving performance across institutions.

He emphasized that the AFC meeting would examine how to cushion the impact of the Sahel states’ exit while preserving the gains of 50 years of regional integration.

Touray described the current moment as an “existential crisis” for ECOWAS, adding that the bloc is “at a crossroads,” and must act quickly to push through political, institutional, and security reforms. A major summit on the future of ECOWAS, guided by consultations with youth and women, is expected soon.

Internal Services Commissioner Prof. Nazifi Darma highlighted dwindling donor aid as a reason ECOWAS is investing in new communications infrastructure and called for member states to innovate around local funding solutions. AFC Chairman Amb. Olawale Awe also stressed the need to address staffing shortages and levy gaps caused by the recent withdrawals.

The session gathered top ECOWAS officials, court members, parliamentarians, agency heads, and other dignitaries to discuss the path forward for the regional bloc.