Calls for Stronger ECOWAS, Deeper Economic Efforts
West Africa’s future increasingly depends on whether regional institutions can translate ambitious declarations into measurable improvements in security, trade and economic opportunity. As political transitions, security threats and economic pressures continue reshaping the sub-region, expectations are rising for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to demonstrate greater effectiveness and relevance. Speaking at the Summit on the Future of Regional Integration in West Africa and the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. urged member states to strengthen regional cooperation while emphasizing that integration must produce practical benefits for ordinary citizens across the sub-region. As THE PARROT obtained a copy of the President’s statement and reports.
LUNGI, Sierra Leone — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. has called for a stronger, more responsive and economically integrated Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), urging member states to transform regional commitments into tangible benefits that improve the lives of citizens across West Africa.
Addressing the Summit on the Future of Regional Integration in West Africa and the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government on Sunday, President Boakai said the regional bloc stands at a defining moment as it confronts evolving security threats, democratic challenges, economic pressures, climate change and rising expectations among young people.
The Liberian leader congratulated Sierra Leone for successfully hosting the summit and commended President Julius Maada Bio for his leadership as outgoing Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
He also paid tribute to outgoing ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray and the outgoing Vice President of the Commission for their service during what he described as one of the most challenging periods in the organization’s history.
Calls For Practical Integration
President Boakai reaffirmed Liberia’s support for the Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, stressing that regional cooperation must extend beyond policy declarations to deliver measurable improvements in peace, trade, employment, infrastructure and economic resilience.
“Our people must see the benefits of ECOWAS in their daily lives—not only through declarations adopted in conference halls, but through greater peace, increased trade, more employment opportunities, improved infrastructure and stronger economic resilience,” he declared.
The President noted that these priorities align closely with Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
He also welcomed the signing of the Inter-Governmental Agreement establishing the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, describing the initiative as a transformational investment demonstrating the value of African cooperation.
Beyond infrastructure, President Boakai urged ECOWAS member states to remove barriers restricting the free movement of goods, services and people by eliminating unnecessary levies, reducing non-tariff barriers and simplifying border procedures.
Regional Peace And Cooperation
As Liberia begins its tenure on the United Nations Security Council, President Boakai reaffirmed the country’s commitment to advancing the priorities of ECOWAS and Africa on the global stage through peacebuilding, preventive diplomacy, constitutional governance, conflict resolution and sustainable development.
He also welcomed progress in resolving the border situation between Liberia and Guinea, expressing optimism that continued dialogue, with the support of the ECOWAS Commission, would produce a peaceful and mutually acceptable settlement.
The President thanked ECOWAS member states for their continued confidence in Liberia following the appointment of qualified Liberians to key positions within regional institutions and pledged that Liberia would continue serving the Community with integrity, professionalism and dedication.
President Boakai concluded by urging West African leaders to strengthen solidarity and regional unity while condemning xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa.
“The future of West Africa will not be determined by the challenges we face, but by the courage with which we respond to them,” he said, calling on member states to build “a stronger, more integrated and more peaceful West Africa and a united Africa.”