ECOWAS CONVENES THEMATIC CONSULTATIONS TO REPOSITION THE COMMUNITY FOR A CHANGING GLOBAL ORDER

The Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) of the Economic Community of West African States has commenced a three-day high-level thematic consultation in Lagos from 24th –27th February 2026, aimed at redefining the future of the Community and strengthening its strategic partnerships amid an increasingly complex global landscape.

These partnerships are critical enablers for achieving the ECOWAS Vision 2050, which emphasizes the need for adequate, complementary resources. Realizing this vision requires effective resource mobilization, strategic cooperation, and innovative financing, including the private sector engagement.

Held against the backdrop of rising geostrategic rivalries, the evolving role of Bretton Woods institutions, rapid digital transformation, and the growing influence and misuse of artificial intelligence, autonomous weapons, and disinformation, the consultations come at a time when West Africa is becoming an arena of intensified global competition.

The engagement feeds into the forthcoming Special Summit on the Future of the Community, providing a platform for national, regional, and international stakeholders to critically assess ECOWAS’ security, governance, economic integration, and multilateral partnerships, while fostering open dialogue among citizens and institutions.

Outcomes from the discussions will inform a proposed “Compact” to be adopted by the Conference of Heads of State and Government, setting out ECOWAS’ long-term strategic direction, commitments, and implementation mechanisms. The Compact is expected to guide the bloc’s efforts to reposition itself with greater autonomy and credibility, without aligning with competing global powers.

Speaking at the opening session, Mr. Constant Gnacadja, Acting Head of the Regional Political Affairs, Mediation and Coordination Division, on behalf of Dr. Abdel Fatau-Musáh, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, and Dr. Bappah Habib, Commissioner for Internal Services, noted that while ECOWAS has laid strong foundations for regional integration, peacebuilding, economic cooperation, and democratic governance over the past five decades, it now stands at a pivotal moment amid rapidly evolving global dynamics.

He emphasized that these developments present both opportunities and challenges for the realization of ECOWAS Vision 2050, which seeks to build a resilient, people-centered, prosperous, and secure Community anchored on strong institutions, respect for fundamental freedoms, and inclusive, sustainable development. The Vision aspires to create a fully integrated and peaceful region capable of navigating 21st-century challenges while harnessing emerging opportunities.

The future of ECOWAS partnerships, he stressed, lies not in choosing sides but in transitioning from reactive engagement to proactive diplomacy, from fragmented cooperation to a coordinated partnership architecture, and from dependence to strategic interdependence.

The consultation is therefore expected to lay the foundation for a renewed partnership doctrine that reinforces ECOWAS’ sovereignty while expanding constructive global collaboration.