Gambiaj.com – (ABUJA, Nigeria) – The 92nd Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers has brought together Ministers of Foreign Affairs from ECOWAS member states. This significant gathering addressed diverse and pressing issues facing the community, including updates on the financial situation, the status of tasks assigned to Community Institutions, and the resolutions of the 35th Administration and Finance Committee.

In his opening remarks, ECOWAS Commission President H.E. Dr. Omar Touray outlined several critical topics for discussion. These included the socio-economic, security, and political conditions within the community, the financial status of ECOWAS institutions, challenges in Community Levy mobilization, and the implementation of previous tasks. Dr. Touray emphasized the necessity for a Special Summit to reassess ECOWAS’s integration, governance, relations with external partners, community norms, and approaches to emerging issues such as new technologies, social media, fake news, and multipolarity.

“The developmental goal of ECOWAS integration is being questioned due to various crises. Unity and solidarity are crucial. The upcoming Summit aims to establish minimum cooperation points for member states to address community-wide issues,” said President Touray. He reiterated the high regard ECOWAS holds within Africa and urged for unity of purpose to ensure shared prosperity and a stronger community.

Dr. Touray also called for increased contributions to the 2021-2024 Action Plan against Terrorism, stressing the need for a finalized financing plan for the ECOWAS Counter-terrorism Force. This follows recent meetings of Ministers of Finance and Defence, where member states were tasked with proposing mandatory contributions to finance the fund to aid the fight against terrorism.

Despite ongoing efforts to engage with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger regarding their withdrawal from ECOWAS and transition to civilian rule, significant progress remains elusive. However, positive assurances have been received from Guinea regarding community unity. Dr. Touray emphasized the importance of pooling resources and pursuing collective self-reliance to overcome challenges like food insecurity, inflation, violent extremism, forced displacements, unemployment, and geopolitical tensions.

H.E. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria and Chairman of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, echoed these sentiments in his welcome address. He acknowledged the significant progress made by ECOWAS towards regional integration, economic growth, and security but highlighted the complex challenges that remain. “Our region still faces complex challenges that require dedication, commitment, and concerted action. I implore all of us to maintain the strength of unity and cooperation that has always guided our deliberations,” said H.E. Tuggar.

The session’s agenda addressed diverse and pressing issues facing the community, including updates on the financial situation, the status of tasks assigned to Community Institutions, and the resolutions of the 35th Administration and Finance Committee. The goal is to ensure fiscal prudence and transparency while promoting socio-economic integration and strengthening diversity through shared perspectives and experiences.

The Council of Ministers adopted recommendations to be presented at the Summit of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government for validation, scheduled to take place in Abuja on July 7, 2024.