President Adama Barrow has called for unified efforts to address pressing challenges facing West Africa, ranging from insecurity to economic integration, during the 66th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Abuja, Nigeria.

In his address, President Barrow expressed gratitude to Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who hosted the summit, commending him for his dedication as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority. He noted that despite some progress, West Africa continues to face obstacles that require urgent and coordinated solutions.

“Our region continues to face numerous challenges that urgently require collective action,” he said.

“Insecurity and threats to peace across the sub-region demand more effective and sustainable solutions. Issues like poverty, youth unemployment, women’s empowerment, and irregular migration worsened by climate change—hinder development and integration efforts within our Community.”

He emphasised the need to build on the region’s achievements in areas such as democracy, good governance, and constitutional order.

He also praised Senegal and Ghana for their recent peaceful elections, which he described as critical milestones in the region’s democratic journey.

President Barrow stressed the importance of strengthening regional trade and harnessing the opportunities of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He also highlighted the need to adopt a single currency for the ECOWAS region to ease trade, attract investments, and reduce costs associated with currency exchange.

“Relying on various currencies imposes exchange rate costs on Member States, thus hindering intra-regional trade and investment,” he said.

On domestic matters, President Barrow reaffirmed his government’s commitment to good governance, institutional reforms, and infrastructural development.

He highlighted a draft constitution for the Third Republic of The Gambia, currently under review by the National Assembly, as a key step toward transparent and accountable governance.

“Our draft constitution ensures respect for the values of Gambians. It upholds the principle of the separation of powers and seeks to establish a governance system grounded in the rule of law and democratic principles,” he explained.

He commended the role of the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG) and the country’s security forces in maintaining peace, expressing gratitude to troop-contributing nations and international partners for their continued support.

He also acknowledged the establishment of a Special Tribunal to prosecute individuals accused of gross human rights violations in the past.

He expressed appreciation for the support of ECOWAS Member States in making this initiative a reality, underscoring the need for sustained collaboration to ensure justice and reconciliation.

In his concluding remarks, he urged West African nations to work together to overcome shared challenges.

“The future of this Community depends on what we do today. Observing our shared values, addressing threats to progress, and working in unity are essential to achieving lasting peace and development,” he said.

By Adama Makasuba