Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) celebrates its fiftieth anniversary in Cotonou: a march for regional unity and solidarity
Titled the 'Jubilee Walk', the event brought together over 300 participants from state and diplomatic institutions, ECOWAS specialised agencies, project partners, West African communities, youth organisations, NGOs, students and teachers.
The march set off from the Place de l'Amazone at 7.00am and took a looping route through the Place Bio Guéra, returning to its starting point at around 10.00am. It was led by a high-level delegation including Ambassador Amadou DIONGUE, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Benin, the representative of the Minister for Sport, the Director of CMMC Zone E and the representative of the WAPP Secretary General. The presence of the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System, the Resident Representatives of UEMOA and UNFPA, as well as Ambassador Francis OKE, former Permanent Representative of the ECOWAS to the African Union, enhanced the solemnity of the event.
In keeping with the theme of the golden jubilee, 'Stronger together for a brighter future'. the march was punctuated by messages in favour of unity and solidarity, the essential foundations of successful regional integration.
In his speech, the ECOWAS Resident Representative said: 'This march symbolises our shared commitment to an ECOWAS of peoples, united and in solidarity. In the face of current challenges, it is imperative that we unite our voices on the international stage to defend the interests of our region and accelerate the implementation of our integration policies, in order to create opportunities for our peoples'.
The ceremony ended with words of thanks and encouragement from Ambassador Francis OKE, the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System, the representative of the Minister for Sport and the Resident Representative of the ECOWAS. They all stressed that the support, solidarity and unity of the peoples are the foundation of West African political and economic integration. The morning ended in a convivial atmosphere, with refreshments and a family photo.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
18 hours ago
- Zawya
Mahama attends Liberia's 178th independence anniversary
President John Dramani Mahama, on Saturday, joined President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and the people of Liberia to celebrate their 178th Independence Day celebration in Monrovia. The event held at the Centennial Memorial Pavilion in Monrovia, Montserrado County, was attended by heads of states from the subregion including the Presidents of Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Guinea Bissau. There were also representatives of the governments of Cote D'Ivoire, Nigeria, and Gambia. Liberia used the occasion to recognise ECOWAS member states that contributed troops to the multinational peacekeeping force, ECOMOG, which played a key role in ending the civil war as well as securing humanitarian corridors during the Liberian war. President Mahama received Ghana's honour from the Liberian President on behalf of the Ghana Armed Forces and the people of Ghana for the contribution of its gallant soldiers. President Boakai in a spirit of national reconciliation said Liberia must heal itself, unite for a common purpose and inspire all for a faster development of the country. He called on all his citizens to leverage on technology to transform Liberia. The celebration as on the theme 'One people, one destiny, healing the past and building the future the ceremony reflected on the past, need for stock taking, reconciliation, a united national identity to rebuild a peaceful Liberia, endowed with rich natural resources'. The President was accompanied by the Minister for Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, the Chief of Defence Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces, Lt. General William Agyapong and Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, Stanislav Xoese Dogbe. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.
Zawya
19 hours ago
- Zawya
Sierra Leone's President Bio Honoured at Liberia Independence Celebrations, as he Delivers Inspiring Keynote on Shared History and Regional Unity
His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, has been honoured with a plaque of recognition by the Government of Liberia in appreciation of Sierra Leone's critical contribution to the peacekeeping efforts that helped restore stability during Liberia's civil conflict. The presentation took place during the celebration of Liberia's 178th Independence Anniversary at the Centennial Memorial Pavilion in Monrovia. The commemorative plaque acknowledged the sacrifices of Sierra Leonean men and women, both in and out of uniform, who served through the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) during Liberia's most difficult years. In a powerful keynote address themed 'One People, One Destiny: Healing the Past, Building the Future,' President Bio reflected on his own role as a young officer in the Sierra Leone Armed Forces deployed to Liberia with ECOMOG. 'I once stood on this sacred soil not as a visitor, but as a peacemaker,' he said. 'I remember walking the streets of White Plains, Gardnersville, and Monrovia Freeport during a time of great hardship. Even then, I could sense the deep endurance of the Liberian people.' President Bio described the recognition as a deeply personal and humbling moment. 'To be honoured on this day is not just a diplomatic courtesy, it is a homecoming. We receive this honour with pride and renewed commitment to regional unity, democratic stability, and shared peace.' Also addressing the gathering, Liberia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mme. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, expressed profound gratitude to all ECOMOG troop-contributing countries, singling out President Bio for his personal role during the conflict. 'You stood with us in our most difficult time,' she said. 'The true legacy of ECOMOG is not only found on the battlefield or in treaties signed, but in the peace we enjoy today.' The celebration brought together Heads of State and representatives from across the region, including President Joseph Nyuma Boakai of Liberia, President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal. President Bio emphasized the deep cultural and historical ties between Sierra Leone and Liberia, calling the two nations 'twin souls' bound by shared rivers, languages, and struggles. 'When Liberia trembled under the weight of war, Sierra Leone felt the tremors too. And when we cried out in our own agony, you mourned with us. This is not coincidence. This is kinship,' he declared. In his capacity as ECOWAS Chair, President Bio also used the moment to outline key regional priorities, including revitalizing regional security cooperation, strengthening democracy, unlocking economic integration, and building institutional credibility. 'Let us align our goals in trade, education, and security and let the Mano River Union become a living promise of solidarity. Let our borders bind, not divide.' He called on West African nations to recommit to regional cooperation not only in times of crisis but as a daily practice of development and peacebuilding. 'Our youth are crossing borders in search of opportunity. Let us build systems that allow them to do so safely, legally, and with dignity,' he urged. President Bio concluded his keynote with a heartfelt tribute to the people of Liberia. 'Thank you for reminding the world that peace is not only possible. it is powerful. May God bless the Republic of Liberia, may God bless the Republic of Sierra Leone, and may God bless the deep, enduring friendship that binds us.' President Bio arrived in Monrovia by road this morning and is scheduled to return to Sierra Leone later today via the same route. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Zawya
Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio Arrives In Monrovia For Liberia's 178th Independence Celebration
His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has arrived safely in Monrovia at the invitation of His Excellency President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to participate in celebrations marking Liberia's 178th Independence Anniversary. President Bio was warmly received on arrival by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh Jr., alongside a high-level delegation from the Liberian Foreign Ministry. Also in attendance at the national celebration are three other Heads of State from the West African sub-region: President John Dramani Mahama of the Republic of Ghana, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of the Republic of Senegal. Liberia's Independence Day holds deep significance as the first African republic to declare independence, standing as a symbol of African self-governance and democratic resilience. Sierra Leone and Liberia continue to enjoy strong bilateral relations rooted in shared history, mutual respect, and cooperation in key areas such as cross-border security, economic development, and cultural heritage preservation. The two nations remain committed to regional stability and peacebuilding efforts across West Africa. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.
