CELEBRATION OF ECOWAS’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY IN YAMOUSSOUKRO: INSTITUTIONAL AND POPULAR MOBILISATION FOR A MORE INTEGRATED AND RESILIENT WEST AFRICA

On Saturday, 28 March 2026, Yamoussoukro, the political capital of Côte d’Ivoire, hosted the official ceremony marking the fiftieth anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Foundation for Peace Research.

Organised by the Permanent Representation of the ECOWAS Commission in Côte d’Ivoire, in collaboration with the ECOWAS National Office, the celebration brought together a broad spectrum of institutional, diplomatic and public actors. The strong turnout underscored the enduring commitment of West African states and citizens to the ideals of regional integration and solidarity.

The ceremony was chaired by the Minister of State, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ms Niale Kaba, who delivered a compelling message calling for a more united, sovereign and forward-looking West Africa.

In her address, she emphasised that the 50th anniversary should go beyond commemoration and serve as a decisive turning point for deepening regional integration, strengthening collective sovereignty, and building a more resilient ECOWAS. She highlighted key regional priorities, including the ECO single currency, ECOWAS Vision 2050, and the need for coordinated responses to pressing challenges such as terrorism, transnational organised crime and democratic fragilities.

The ceremony was further distinguished by the presence of the Honourable Ms Adjaratou Traoré Coulibaly, representing the Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission, alongside eminent personalities from regional institutions, government, the diplomatic corps, traditional authorities and civil society. In her remarks, she stressed the importance of bringing ECOWAS closer to its citizens and reinforcing a shared sense of community. She also noted that the commemorative tour serves as a vital bridge between ECOWAS institutions and the people, while showcasing major achievements such as the ECOWAS passport, the Common External Tariff and the early warning mechanisms.

In the lead-up to the event, the Acting Permanent Representative of ECOWAS in Côte d’Ivoire, Ms Fatmah Diarré Mahan, and the Head of the ECOWAS National Office, Her Excellency Ms Folquet I. Sandra, worked in close synergy to ensure the successful planning and execution of the celebration. Their collaboration reflects the complementary roles of ECOWAS institutions in advancing regional integration and enhancing citizen engagement. They commended the sustained support of the Ivorian authorities, as well as the strong mobilisation of youth, women and local communities in promoting the values of the Community.

The commemorative activities also featured an urban parade and a series of cultural and community events, bringing together public officials, partners and citizens in a vibrant demonstration of unity and shared purpose. Declaring the parade open, Minister of State Niale Kaba reiterated her call for a more united, resilient and forward-looking ECOWAS, stressing that the golden jubilee must mark a new phase in the consolidation of regional integration.

Overall, the celebration of ECOWAS’s 50th anniversary in Yamoussoukro stands as a landmark moment of reflection, mobilisation and renewed ambition—reaffirming the collective commitment to building an integrated, peaceful and prosperous West Africa.