The President of the Economic Community of West African States Commission, Omar Touray, has urged for stronger democratic institutions in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recent military coups have exposed the fragility of West Africa\u2019s political systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Touray delivered this message on Tuesday in Abuja during an annual lecture organised by the Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Touray\u2019s keynote address, titled \u201cConsolidating Democracy and Integration in ECOWAS: The Journey So Far,\u201d highlighted both the progress made and the significant challenges still facing the region, particularly the resurgence of military coups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The ECOWAS President noted that the combination of persistent poverty, youth unemployment, and glaring inequality has eroded public trust in political systems, offering opportunities for military intervention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAt some point, we thought we were at cruising speed with no coup d\u2019etat, with no unconstitutional change of government but all that seems to be threatened by the re-emergence of unconstitutional activities,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Touray also pointed to the broader geopolitical context, stressing that the region\u2019s democratic backsliding cannot be viewed in isolation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He cited the rise of terrorism in the Sahel following the fall of Libya\u2019s Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, which has further destabilised West Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe dangerous cocktail of terrorism, popular discontent, and dissatisfaction with democratic dividends has given the military all the excuses they need to return to politics,\u201d he warned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite these setbacks, Touray offered a glimmer of hope for the future of democracy in West Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He praised recent elections in Senegal and Liberia as signs of maturing democratic culture and emphasised that several ECOWAS member states, including Ghana, Cape Verde, and Nigeria, continue to demonstrate resilience in their democratic processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To safeguard democracy in the region, Touray outlined five key priorities for ECOWAS \u2013 \u201cstrengthening regional and national institutions, ensuring more open political spaces, reinforcing the independence of the judiciary, establishing robust anti-corruption frameworks, and promoting a responsible press and social media.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe future of democracy in West Africa lies in building stronger institutions and creating an inclusive political environment where citizens feel empowered,\u201d Touray concluded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In his remarks, the Nigeria\u2019s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, pledged the country\u2019s unwavering leadership in promoting democracy and economic integration across West Africa, amid a surge in unconstitutional changes of government in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tuggar addressed the growing instability in West Africa, vowing that Nigeria, as the region\u2019s largest economy, will play a central role in stabilising and strengthening ECOWAS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The minister underscored Nigeria\u2019s leadership in tackling these pressing issues, particularly the wave of military coups and political crises that have rocked several ECOWAS member states in recent years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile various efforts are ongoing to explore avenues for easing tensions with the breakaway states, we will continue to prioritise deepening economic integration, enhancing security and reinforcing democracy in West Africa and the Sahel for the benefit of the Community of peoples,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The ARCAN\u2019s President, Ambassador Joe Keshi, called for a renewed focus on the future of the ECOWAS as the regional bloc faces significant challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keshi added, \u201cECOWAS has committed itself to the maintenance of peace and stability, while at the same time trying to achieve its main objective of economic cooperation and integration of the states of the West African and South African region.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali severed relations with the 15-member bloc after ECOWAS imposed sanctions on them in the wake of military takeovers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although the organisation only issued a suspension, it has demanded that the countries return to constitutional order before sanctions are lifted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have all denounced any plans to reintegrate, accusing ECOWAS of betraying the pan-African ideals for which it was founded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
President Bola Tinubu, who currently chairs ECOWAS, has been actively trying to persuade the three countries to reconsider their exit, emphasising that the organisation remains open to maintaining friendly relations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n