ECOWAS at 50: A Diplomatic Evaluation of Successes, Challenges, and Regional Integration

ABSTRACT

This paper offers a diplomatic assessment of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as it approaches its 50th anniversary. Established in 1975 to promote regional economic integration, ECOWAS faces both successes and challenges in achieving its foundational goals. This analysis critically examines ECOWAS’ role in international relations, peacekeeping efforts, and regional cooperation. Key areas of focus include the organization’s relationship with other regional and international bodies such as the African Union (AU), European Union (EU), and United Nations (UN), as well as its role in conflict resolution and the promotion of democracy, stability, and economic growth in West Africa. While ECOWAS has made strides in regional integration, its efforts have been hindered by governance challenges, political instability, and insecurity within member states. Despite these obstacles, the paper emphasizes the need for a renewed commitment to ECOWAS’ vision of a “borderless region” by 2050, advocating for enhanced cooperation, economic reform, and greater political unity. In exploring ECOWAS’ progress and setbacks, the paper also interrogates its evolving identity in global diplomacy and the potential for future success in fostering peace, prosperity, and regional integration.

INTRODUCTION

Established after the signatures of fifteen West African Countries’ Heads of State were appended to a Treaty, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was formed on  May 28, 1975, in Lagos, Nigeria. The ECOWAS Treaty, otherwise called the Treaty of Lagos, was signed by the 15 Heads of State of Beni, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, the Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria,  Sierra Leone, Senegal, and Togo. Its stated mission was to promote economic integration across the region. Cabo Verde joined the union two years after it was formed. Mauritania (the only Arabic-speaking member) withdrew from the Union in December 2000.¹ This paper seeks to ask some research questions and also attempts to provide answers to the following: (i) Is ECOWAS using the opportunities IR offers?; (ii) Does a retrospective look at the ECOWAS Treaty trigger the need for a revised Treaty or a call for action?; (iii) How has the regional integration benefited citizens of the community?; (iv) How well has ECOWAS formed, maintained, and fostered relations with other regional bodies for the benefit of ALL? and (v) What factors are responsible for ECOWAS’s failure in ultimately succeeding in conflict resolution among Member States?

Formed as one of the pillars of the African Economic Community, ECOWAS tended to consolidate what the region owns for the benefit of all Member States; it was also meant to build a large trading bloc through economic cooperation. With an area of 5.2 million square kilometers, the ECOWAS region also has a combined GDP of $734.8 billion, used in telecommunications, energy, agriculture, commerce, and other sectors. The ECOWAS renewed its status in 2007, and the Secretariat was transformed into a Commission, constituting a president, vice president, thirteen commissioners, and an auditor-general of ECOWAS institutions. The new status comes with a goal of critical implementation of vital activities that will consistently eradicate roadblocks that hinder the estimated 300 million citizens of the community, the access to the ownership of the benefits that come with the move from an ECOWAS of States to an “ECOWAS of the People: Peace and Prosperity to ALL” by 2050.² The community aims to promote cooperation and integration, leading to the establishment of an economic union in West Africa to raise the living standards of its people and maintain and enhance economic stability, foster relations among member states, and contribute to the progress and development of the African Continent. The vision is to become a borderless region where the population has access to its abundant resources and can exploit them by creating opportunities in a sustainable environment. An integrated region where the population enjoys free movement, access to efficient education and health systems, engages in economic and commercial activities, and lives in dignity in an environment of peace and security.³ This paper seeks to (i) Examine ECOWAS in the context of International Relations (IR); (ii) Take a retrospective look at the ECOWAS Treaty as part of defining success; (iii) Find out if the European Union (EU) is a model for ECOWAS; (iv) Examine the role of ECOWAS in peacekeeping missions since its inception, and (v) How successful has the West African integration been so far?

METHODOLOGY

This paper employs a qualitative research approach, utilizing historical analysis, case studies, and policy evaluation to assess the performance of ECOWAS. The research draws on primary sources such as ECOWAS treaties, official reports, and resolutions, as well as secondary sources, including academic publications, journal articles, and expert commentaries. The study examines ECOWAS’s initiatives in regional integration, diplomacy, and conflict resolution to determine their effectiveness. Additionally, comparisons with other regional blocs provide insights into best practices and areas for improvement.

ECOWAS UNDER THE LENS OF IR THEORIES

Due to global economic, social, and environmental changes, regional organizations have been increasingly scrutinized. Policymakers, international organizations, and political analysts have keen interests in Regionalism in Africa. According to Paul Agu Igwe and colleagues, the COVID-19 pandemic has seen the world reopening negotiations regarding the European Union and has dominated regional trade headlines, while the fate of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is also on the discussion table. They further assert that after four decades since ECOWAS’ establishment, the main objective of ECOWAS is unclear. Therefore, is the community focused on trade, peacekeeping force, or regional governance?⁴  In consultations with other researchers, Igwe and colleagues claimed that:

“In contemporary politics, there is a debate about the rise of intergovernmentalism and the applicability of grand theorizing. The underlying national preferences for joining regional organizations are economic or geopolitical interests. Neo-liberalism essentially expects states to calculate costs and benefits of alternative courses of action to maximize their utilities because of (their own) preferences.”^5.

According to Lee Ward (a professor of political science at Baylor University in Waco, Texas), liberalism is one of the first philosophies of International Relations. Ward also notes that liberalism’s basic concepts found formal embodiment in the John Locke and Thomas Hobbes writings.⁶ In his submission, Richard Scott (a professor at Stanford University) outlines that liberalism terms globalization as a prerequisite for any bilateral collaboration among nations; moreover, liberals contend that governments also typically foster cordial relations with other countries and cooperate for both parties interests.⁷

On the other hand, the Idealism concept depicts that every state should work on attaining fundamental political and fiscal principles. Capitalist economic institutions in international relations, liberal systems of government, open markets, and independence are the values to strive for. In Robert M.A Crawford’s (State University of New York Press, IR) view, Idealism drives the political and global monetary institutions to promote the opportunity for cooperation among nations by guaranteeing openness.⁸ Another essential point about this concept is its significance in advocating for creating international institutions dedicated to upholding world security and global stability to enact laws and regulations safeguarding global peace, economic success, and development.⁹ Equally important, the Idealist perspective promotes morality to achieve the intended goal of creating a perfect world. Michele Acuto (a professor of global urban politics at the University of Melbourne) opined that governments might ensure their growth and contribute to the worldwide abolition of war, poverty, terrorism, totalitarianism, oppression, and aggression by holding ethics and moral standards in collective interaction.¹⁰

The final IR theory for this paper is realism, which sharply contrasts with more comparative worldviews, including those of idealists and liberals. According to the realist concept, nations that care about their safety, promote their respective strategic interests, and vie for dominance are the primary players on the global stage. Realists in foreign relations emphasize the limitations placed on diplomacy, especially human egoism.¹¹ Accordingly, there is a school of thought that realism positions the state as the principal actor in international relations. The survival of the state is the highest goal. In the three IR theories mentioned in this paper, with particular reference to ECOWAS, some member states are into cooperations  (interstates) for the benefit of the parties involved, as in the case of the liberalist theory, on the other hand, some member states are known to be advocates for the creation of international institutions which will uphold security and stability across the region as in the case of the idealist theory, yet in the context of realism, some member states operate in the promotion of their respective strategic interests and vie for dominance to become primary players on the global stage.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS WITH OTHER REGIONAL BLOCS

Regional economic communities serve as critical building blocks for international cooperation, yet their effectiveness varies significantly. The EU, often considered the most successful model of regional integration, has achieved a high degree of political and economic unification through shared institutions and legally binding agreements. In contrast, ECOWAS remains largely intergovernmental, with limited supranational authority.

Key Comparisons:

1. Political Integration: The EU has a centralized governance structure with strong enforcement mechanisms, whereas ECOWAS struggles with enforcing decisions due to sovereignty concerns among member states.
2. Economic Cooperation: While the EU has a common currency (Euro) and an established customs union, ECOWAS’s plan for a single currency (ECO) has faced repeated delays due to macroeconomic instability and resistance from certain member states.
3. Peace and Security: ECOWAS has a more active peacekeeping role than ASEAN and other regional bodies, particularly through ECOMOG, but it faces challenges in maintaining neutrality and effectiveness.
4. Trade and Mobility: The EU’s Schengen Agreement ensures seamless movement of people, whereas ECOWAS citizens still encounter multiple border restrictions despite the free movement protocol.

THE ECOWAS TREATY IN RETROSPECT

The 1975 Treaty of ECOWAS  had sixty-five articles and fourteen chapters. Article 59 addressed relations with other regional associations and Third Countries. It mentions that member states may enter into sub-regional or regional associations with other member states or non-member states as long as such associations do not derogate from the provisions of the Treaty.¹² This paper will briefly examine the relations between ECOWAS-UN, ECOWAS-AU, and ECOWAS-EU. The ECOWAS Treaty was revised in July 1993. Still looking into agreements with other regional and sub-regional organizations, member states, non-member states, and regional organizations in chapter 21, article 84, relations between non-member states, regional organizations, and international organizations, it is reiterated that member states may conclude agreements among themselves and with non-member states,  or any other international organization provided such agreements are not incompatible with the Treaty. There is a supplement that slightly makes the 1993 Treaty different from the 1975 Treaty (in this regard), and that is, at the request of the Executive Secretary, member states shall transmit such agreements to the Executive Secretary, who shall inform the Council thereof.¹³

GOVERNANCE AND INSTITUTIONAL CHALLENGES

Despite its ambitious goals, ECOWAS continues to grapple with governance and institutional inefficiencies that hinder its effectiveness. The organization, initially designed to foster regional integration and economic cooperation, has often struggled with slow decision-making, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and a lack of political will among member states. Many of the policies and treaties ratified at the regional level are not fully implemented at the national level due to sovereignty concerns, political instability, and competing national interests. While the transformation of the ECOWAS Secretariat into a Commission in 2007 was intended to enhance efficiency, political influence still pervades its operations, making it difficult to enforce regional policies and commitments.

A persistent issue affecting ECOWAS’s functionality is the challenge of financial mismanagement and accountability. Reports indicate that corruption and lack of transparency in fund allocation and expenditure have diminished trust in the organization’s capacity to deliver on its mandate. Many of ECOWAS’s ambitious projects have been stalled due to financial mismanagement, misallocation of resources, and weak institutional oversight. Without proper checks and balances, regional initiatives remain largely symbolic, with limited impact on the daily lives of citizens.

Additionally, internal divisions among ECOWAS member states, particularly the historical tension between Anglophone and Francophone countries, have further complicated governance. Differences in political ideology, economic orientation, and foreign policy alignment—especially with former colonial powers—have often resulted in policy deadlocks. Francophone West African countries, for instance, continue to maintain strong economic and political ties with France, which sometimes run counter to ECOWAS’s regional objectives. These internal rifts have hindered the development of a unified regional identity and slowed down the implementation of key integration policies.

For ECOWAS to enhance its governance structure, it must establish stronger enforcement mechanisms that ensure compliance with regional agreements. The ECOWAS Court of Justice, while designed to serve as an independent legal authority, needs more autonomy and support to hold states accountable for breaches of treaty obligations. Moreover, financial transparency should be improved through rigorous auditing mechanisms and public reporting of ECOWAS expenditures. Institutional reforms that streamline decision-making processes and reduce political interference could help the organization function more effectively in fulfilling its regional integration mission.

SOCIOECONOMIC IMPACT ON CITIZENS

ECOWAS’s economic and integration policies were established with the promise of improving the lives of West African citizens, yet the reality on the ground suggests a mixed outcome. While the region has made progress in facilitating trade and economic cooperation, the tangible benefits for ordinary citizens remain limited. The Economic Community of West African States Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS), for example, was designed to promote free trade among member states, but businesses continue to face significant bureaucratic obstacles, high tariffs, and unofficial fees at borders. Many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) struggle to navigate these barriers, limiting their ability to expand and compete in regional markets.

Similarly, the free movement protocol, a fundamental pillar of ECOWAS, theoretically allows citizens to travel, work, and reside in any member state. In practice, however, corruption at border posts, inconsistent implementation of migration policies, and security concerns have undermined the full realization of this vision. The presence of numerous police and military checkpoints along major trade routes, such as the Lagos-Abidjan corridor, serves as a stark reminder that seamless mobility is far from being achieved. Many travelers report extortion and harassment at these borders, making regional mobility a costly and challenging endeavor.

Another critical area where ECOWAS has fallen short is in job creation and economic empowerment. While regional policies emphasize macroeconomic stability, they have not sufficiently translated into employment opportunities for young people. Unemployment remains high across many ECOWAS countries, leading to increased migration, economic vulnerability, and, in some cases, social unrest. The lack of industrialization and limited investment in technology-driven sectors have left many young people without viable career prospects, forcing them to seek opportunities outside the region. For ECOWAS to truly impact its citizens, more targeted policies focusing on vocational training, entrepreneurship support, and digital innovation are needed.

To bridge the gap between policy objectives and real-world impact, ECOWAS must prioritize the implementation of citizen-focused initiatives. Investing in infrastructure that facilitates easier movement of people and goods, strengthening the enforcement of trade agreements, and addressing corruption at border posts will enhance regional economic opportunities. Additionally, youth employment programs and partnerships with the private sector can help drive job creation, ensuring that the benefits of regional integration are more equitably distributed among the population.

ROLE OF ECOWAS IN CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The West African region is increasingly vulnerable to climate change, facing challenges such as desertification, coastal erosion, extreme weather conditions, and food insecurity. While ECOWAS has recognized the need for regional collaboration in addressing these issues, its response has been fragmented and largely reactive rather than proactive. The ECOWAS Environmental Policy (EEP) was established to promote sustainable resource management, yet many member states have struggled to implement concrete measures due to funding constraints, weak institutional frameworks, and competing economic priorities.

One of the notable efforts in environmental sustainability is the establishment of the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), which aims to promote the adoption of clean energy solutions. However, progress in scaling up renewable energy projects has been slow, with many initiatives failing to secure sufficient investment. The reliance on fossil fuels, particularly in Nigeria and other resource-rich countries, continues to delay the transition to greener energy alternatives. Additionally, deforestation and land degradation, driven by unsustainable agricultural practices and rapid urbanization, remain pressing concerns that require coordinated regional action.

Another critical issue is the impact of climate change on agriculture, a sector that employs a significant portion of West Africa’s population. Rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and soil degradation have negatively affected food production, leading to periodic food crises in some ECOWAS countries. While some member states have introduced climate adaptation strategies, there is little coordination at the regional level to implement large-scale solutions that could mitigate these effects. Strengthening ECOWAS’s role in sustainable agriculture and water management will be essential in ensuring food security for the growing population.

To enhance its effectiveness in addressing climate change and sustainability, ECOWAS must adopt legally binding environmental regulations that require member states to meet specific climate targets. Greater collaboration with global partners, including the African Union and the United Nations, could also provide technical and financial support for climate resilience projects. A shift toward green policies, such as promoting sustainable agriculture, reforestation programs, and renewable energy investments, will not only mitigate environmental degradation but also create economic opportunities for local communities.

THE FUTURE OF ECOWAS: STRATEGIC ROADMAP TO 2050

As ECOWAS approaches its 50th anniversary, the organization stands at a crossroads. While it has made significant strides in fostering regional cooperation, it must undergo strategic transformation to fully realize its vision of “ECOWAS of the People: Peace and Prosperity for All” by 2050. Achieving this goal requires a multi-dimensional approach that strengthens governance, enhances economic integration, improves security, and invests in human capital development.

A fundamental aspect of ECOWAS’s future success lies in institutional reform. The organization must modernize its governance structures to ensure efficiency, transparency, and accountability. Strengthening enforcement mechanisms for regional agreements and empowering institutions such as the ECOWAS Court of Justice to hold member states accountable will be critical in fostering compliance and unity.

Economic transformation will also be key to ECOWAS’s success. The long-delayed single currency project, ECO, must be prioritized to facilitate seamless trade and monetary stability across the region. Additionally, industrialization efforts should be accelerated to reduce dependency on raw material exports and create jobs in the manufacturing, technology, and service sectors. Regional digital integration, including the expansion of e-commerce and cross-border financial services, can further stimulate economic growth and connectivity.

Security remains a major challenge for ECOWAS, with recurring conflicts, terrorism, and political instability threatening regional stability. A more coordinated approach to security, including intelligence-sharing, counterterrorism collaboration, and strengthened peacekeeping mandates, will be essential in ensuring long-term peace and stability.

Lastly, ECOWAS must invest in its people. Expanding education, healthcare, and social protection programs will improve the quality of life for millions of West Africans. Digital literacy initiatives, vocational training, and entrepreneurship support will equip the region’s youth with the skills needed to thrive in a modern economy.

By adopting a bold and visionary approach, ECOWAS can transform itself into a more effective and people-centered organization. The next phase of regional integration must be driven by innovation, inclusivity, and political commitment to ensure that the promise of a united, prosperous West Africa is finally realized.

HAS ECOWAS SUCCEEDED OR FAILED?

The ECOWAS Treaties of 1975 and 1993 have goodwill pointers and have tried to harness the region’s natural resources for all benefits. ECOWAS has faced difficult times and strives to achieve its goal of making the region an “ECOWAS of the People: peace and Prosperity to All” by 2050. Also, ECOWAS still believes in and continues to work towards the goal of “A region governed by the principles of democracy, the rule of law and good governance.”¹⁴ Conversely, with all the efforts by the ECOWAS, after 48 years (May 28, 2023), the region is greatly troubled by unrest, military coups, and economic crisis. Therefore, the question posed earlier in this paper as to what precisely ECOWAS has focused on can be explained thus. Based on the findings of Roberto M. Rodriquez (a professor of international relations and an Euclid University faculty member), ECOWAS saved some lives during their peacekeeping missions of member states; nonetheless, none of those missions was fulfilled.¹⁵ In addition, Rodriquez notes that to this point, there is still no comprehensive analysis of the operations ECOWAS has carried out. The Anglophone and Francophone countries have irreconcilable differences and have different views regarding resolving sub-regional crises.¹⁶ Complimentary to this, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) assessed ECOWAS at 40 to outline progress toward regional integration in West Africa. The assessment challenges ECOWAS to take another step toward developing its operational capabilities to generate tangible results for its member states and community citizens. In doing so, it can fully meet the target set in the Constitutive treaty and celebrate its 50^th anniversary in 2025 by becoming a successful model of the Regional Economic Community in Africa.¹⁷ The ECOWAS is far from realizing its complete success in terms of the current status quo in the region and its unwillingness to embrace oneness. Abiodun Olayeye (a research assistant at the Ekiti State University, Nigeria), in a few lines, throws light on ECOWAS peacekeeping interventions reads:

“ECOWAS consequently played a key role in the arduous resolution of protracted and devastating civil wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone, which sometimes spilt over into Guinea and threatened to cause unrest in West Africa. ECOWAS then intervened on the diplomatic front through its mediation organs comprising Heads of State and Governments of core member States and military by sounding thousands of soldiers of the ECOWAS Ceasefire.”^18.

Olutola C. Makinde (a lawyer) notes that governance, peace, and security challenges in the sub-region elicited the need to revise the 1975 Treaty of ECOWAS to reflect contemporary realities. Also, the revised Treaty was signed on July 23, 1993, in Cotonou, Republic of Benin.¹⁹

All these show that ECOWAS has endeavored to keep its community in good shape; however, more must be done to achieve that milestone.

ECOWAS AND OTHER REGIONAL BODIES

After the signing of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in 2014, West Africa became the main focus of the European Union. The Economic Partnership Agreement between the European Union and ECOWAS gave West Africa an advantage in economic sectors.²⁰ Member States possess strong bargaining power in the international forum under the institution of ECOWAS. In this section, this paper will touch on the need for a monetary union. Regional integration boosts market value. ECOWAS promotes industrial development productively and plays a pivotal role in job creation for skillful workers. Every member state has its currency for domestic exchange; however, its exchange rate in the international system is low. The total amount of ECOWAS trade advanced by 18% every year from 2005-2014. These resulted from commodities that led to higher trade mining and agriculture percentages.²¹ Beata Przybylska (a professor at Adam Mickiewicz University, faculty of political science and journalism) opined that ECOWAS-EU relations are heavily influenced by competition with other players. Przybylska further asserted that the European Union competes keenly with China and the United States of America for the status of a strategic partner for the West African countries.

REGIONAL INTEGRATION: VALUE ADDITION?

ECOWAS provides the policy framework for accessible trade areas, customs unions, and financial systems integration in preparation for the common currency-monetary union. However, this will only be actualized if there is free movement of people, goods, services, capital, and the right of establishment. The West African sub-region has security issues as another factor that affects it. Insecurity due to civil strife and unstable governments quickly spreads to other member states, which makes the entire sub-region unfit for international networking. The need for sub-regional integration has been spotted as the way forward for member states to benefit from globalization, promoting security and democracy within their borders and collaborating in other fields. Conversely, in connection with regional integration, a currency union requires an investment in the institutions necessary to guarantee irrevocably fixed exchange rates and a single monetary policy. Protocol on the free movement of persons, limited by the administrative practicalities, is a political will and, in a continuation of the spirit of ECOWAS’ founding Treaty of 1975, endorsed the freedom of movement as one of its general principles.

In 1979, the protocol on the free movement of persons and the right of residence and establishment laid the legal rules and terms of application in three steps: (i) right to entry and abolition of visas; (ii) right of residence, and (iii) right of establishment. To materialize these legal measures, a travel certificate, a residence card, and a passport for member states were to be introduced. However, citizens of the community have difficulty moving within member states. There are 69 checkpoints on the 992 km-long Lagos to Abidjan route. Some of the community’s citizens say the passport makes movement easy, while others say they still have headaches at borders, where the control agents still obstruct the movement of persons. To this end, this paper has pointed out (generally) how ECOWAS functions in diplomacy as an economic sub-regional player and as a dependable partner for all its member states. The concluding part of this paper emphasizes the monetary union as it is not a gain, economic stage the emphasis on the economic integration of the sub-region; it is expedient to note that there are two main rules for cross-border mobility: free movement rules at the regional level and the responsiveness and commitment of states sharing a common border. For instance, implementing the free movement protocols of ECOWAS took a decade for member states.    As part of ECOWAS’ drive to make its sub-region a haven for all community citizens and to emphasize that peace is a prerequisite for any nation’s sustainable development, this paper now transmits the FES briefing. The FES briefing paper 11 on the UN, the AU, and ECOWAS wrote:

“The UN Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) is a new creation and expression of the UN’s recognition of the need for a holistic approach to conflict management. Post-conflict reconstruction is an expensive, long-term process. There is a need for better coherence and coordination of bilateral efforts to avoid duplication and ensure that host countries’ needs are met. There may also be the need to review the PBC’s mandate or strengthen its relationship with the relevant UN organs. The PBC’s work in West Africa has focused on two countries: Sierra Leone, Guinea Bissau, and, to a lesser extent, Liberia. Consultations between each country’s government and the country’s specific configurations (CSCs) of the PBC led to the formulation of strategic Peace-building Frameworks for each country. Sierra Leone was allocated $35 million, 19 million of which remains unspent.”²²

CONCLUSION

This paper has critically examined the role of ECOWAS in fostering regional integration and its impact on the West African sub-region. Despite the significant milestones achieved since its establishment in 1975, ECOWAS continues to face considerable challenges in realizing its vision of “ECOWAS of the People: Peace and Prosperity for All” by 2050. While the community has made important strides in peacekeeping, economic cooperation, and diplomacy, it has struggled with political instability, security threats, and economic crises that have hindered the achievement of its full potential.

The paper highlights the urgent need for ECOWAS to reassess its strategies and strengthen its governance frameworks. There is a pressing demand for more effective implementation of regional integration policies, enhanced cooperation among member states, and a greater commitment to addressing the socio-political and economic challenges that continue to impede progress. Furthermore, ECOWAS must deepen its relationships with other regional and international bodies, such as the African Union (AU), European Union (EU), and United Nations (UN), to bolster its capacity for conflict resolution and regional development.

In conclusion, while ECOWAS has made notable contributions to the peace and stability of West Africa, its mission remains incomplete. The vision of an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful West Africa requires renewed efforts, political will, and effective regional cooperation. As the organization approaches its 50th anniversary, it must embrace the path of strategic transformation and greater unity to fully realize the benefits of regional integration for the people of West Africa.

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