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Bishir Dauda, a Nigerian activist, has embarked on a 50-day celebration road trip across West Africa to mark the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Dauda, who is the Executive Director of the Citizens Participation Against Corruption Initiatives, began his journey on April 1, arrived in Cotonou, Benin Republic, on Tuesday.
Founded on May 28, 1975, ECOWAS was established to promote economic integration and political unity among West African nations.
As the subregional bloc approaches its golden jubilee, Dauda’s unique celebration aims to spotlight its achievements and challenges.
Upon arrival in Cotonou, Dauda made his first stop at the ECOWAS Resident Representative’s office, where he was warmly received by officials.
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It was gathered that he later engaged in interactive discussions with representatives of activists, youth groups, and ordinary citizens, focusing on ECOWAS’ five decades of accomplishments and hurdles.
During the interaction, citizens commended ECOWAS for tangible achievements, including the free movement of persons and goods, harmonization of trade tariffs, tourism promotion, peacekeeping missions, humanitarian support, sporting events, and the strengthening of democracy and good governance.
They also acknowledged the bloc’s efforts in crisis management, particularly in handling the recent withdrawal of some Sahel states from ECOWAS.
However, citizens raised concerns over persistent challenges facing the bloc, such as unconstitutional changes of government, illegal tenure elongation by some West African leaders, electoral fraud, breaches of ECOWAS treaties and protocols, weak governance, and inadequate funding.
The failure to achieve the long-awaited ECOWAS Common Currency (ECO) also remained a critical concern.
It was also learnt that the people of Benin called on ECOWAS to continue pursuing policies and programs that strengthen unity and cooperation among member states.
They urged the community to achieve the launch of the ECO by 2027, as promised, and to maintain dialogue with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, encouraging their return to the bloc for the sake of African unity.
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The citizens emphasized the need for ECOWAS to uphold its protocols on democracy and good governance while developing more programs targeting youth, women, and people with disabilities.
They also advocated for the ECOWAS Standby Force to become fully operational to tackle security threats such as terrorism, insurgency, and armed conflicts.
The community further expressed support for monumental projects like the Lagos-Abidjan Highway and the West African Power Pool, stressing the importance of peace and democracy in the region.
Dauda, mentioned that his solidarity journey was inspired by ECOWAS’ remarkable achievements despite formidable challenges.
He expressed optimism that the community’s dedication to peace, democracy, and cooperation would guide the region toward a more prosperous future.
