The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament has launched its 25th anniversary celebrations, amidst the community’s 50th anniversary, with a call for renewed commitment to regional integration.
In her opening speech, Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hon Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima, emphasised the need for continued efforts towards building an integrated and prosperous economic community.
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“We must celebrate our victories in an inclusive manner alongside other sister ECOWAS Institutions. This silver jubilee that we are celebrating must remind us that integration is not an inevitable destiny but a daily choice that we must constantly cultivate and reinvent,” Ibrahima said.
The Speaker highlighted the parliament’s achievements over the past 25 years, including its role in promoting parliamentary cooperation, managing political crises, and advancing regional integration.
She also paid tribute to the founding fathers of ECOWAS for their vision of building a united and prosperous West Africa.
As the community celebrates its golden jubilee, Ibrahima called on member states to reaffirm their commitment to regional integration and cooperation.
“The progress made together and the results obtained so far are still confronted with so many challenges that we have to meet for the well-being of our fellow citizens,” she said.
The launch of the 25th anniversary celebrations marks the beginning of a series of activities aimed at promoting regional integration and cooperation among ECOWAS member states.
These activities will include seminars, workshops, and other events that will bring together stakeholders from across the region to discuss key issues and challenges facing the community.
One of the key areas of focus for the parliament’s anniversary celebrations will be the promotion of economic integration and trade among member states.
The Speaker emphasised the need for member states to work together to address the challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality, and to promote economic growth and development.
“The ECOWAS Parliament’s 25th anniversary celebrations will also provide an opportunity for the community to reflect on its achievements and challenges over the past five decades.
“The community has made significant progress in promoting regional integration and cooperation, but there is still much work to be done to achieve its vision of a united and prosperous West Africa.
“As the community looks to the future, it is clear that the ECOWAS Parliament will continue to play a vital role in promoting regional integration and cooperation.
“The parliament’s commitment to advancing the interests of the people of West Africa and promoting economic growth and development will remain a key priority in the years to come,” she added.
Also in his goodwill message, the President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Justice Ricardo Claudio Monteiro Gonçalves, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the two institutions in promoting regional integration and justice.
Gonçalves highlighted the significance of the year 2025, which marks the 25th anniversary of the ECOWAS Parliament and the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States.
He noted that these milestones present an opportunity for the region to reflect on its progress and reaffirm its commitment to the ideals of regional integration, peace, and justice.
The President emphasised the crucial role of the ECOWAS Parliament in amplifying the voices of the people of West Africa and ensuring that their aspirations and concerns are translated into policies and actions.
He also highlighted the Court’s role in upholding the rule of law and promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms in the region.
Gonçalves further identified key areas where collaboration between the Court and the Parliament can be further deepened, including legal reform and harmonisation, human rights promotion, access to justice, and judicial independence.
He also emphasised the need for enhanced inter-institutional collaboration to achieve the ambitious objectives of the ECOWAS Vision 2050.
The President called on the Parliament to continue to uphold the noble ideals upon which it was founded and to work towards promoting regional integration, peace, and prosperity.
He reiterated the Court’s commitment to working hand in hand with the Parliament to achieve these objectives and expressed optimism that their collaboration will bear fruit for the benefit of the people of West Africa.
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