Experts from various ministries of the economy, finance, social affairs, culture, and the private sector are convening in Cotonou, Benin, from June 12 to 13, 2024. This meeting is part of the process to establish the West African Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC-WA). Initiated by the ECOWAS Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, the aim is to examine and validate structures and processes proposed for making this platform operational.
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the private sector view this platform as essential for playing a more active role in realizing ECOWAS Vision 2050: “ECOWAS of the Peoples: Peace and Prosperity for All.” The vision aims to create a foundation where CSOs play a fundamental role in conflict prevention and peacebuilding within the region.
In partnership with the United Nations (UNOWAS and UNDP New York), ECOWAS implemented a project titled “ECOWAS (Post) Vision 2020: Strengthening regional capacities for conflict prevention” in 2021. As part of this project, accelerating the establishment of ECOSOCC-WA was recommended.
The Cotonou meeting began on June 12, 2024. Ambassador Amadou DIONGUE welcomed participants at the opening ceremony on behalf of Ambassador Abdel-Fatau MUSAH. He stated that this initiative marks a crucial step towards achieving an integrated and prosperous West Africa. “The creation of ESCC-WA has never been more urgent than at a time when our region is experiencing democratic and security setbacks,” said Ambassador DIONGUE on behalf of Commissioner Abdel-Fatau MUSAH.
H.E. Toga GAYEWEA MCINTOSH provided an overview of ECOSOCC-WA's history during his address as resource person and facilitator. The creation was decided in 1993 when the revised ECOWAS treaty set up six key institutions including the Commission, Parliament, and Court of Justice.
Ambassador Musa NUHU officially launched the meeting. He emphasized that "The ECOSOCC-WA is designed to improve civil society participation in decisions taken by our Member States."
By the end of this two-day session, experts aim to achieve several outcomes:
1- Adoption of a basic framework for effective operation including drafting necessary charters.
2- Development of a three-year work program.
3- Drafting an indicative budget over three years.
4- Proposing strategic importance documents addressing political and socio-economic challenges.
5- Creating concrete recommendations for ministerial validation.
These results will be presented at subsequent statutory ECOWAS meetings involving various committees such as Administration and Finance Committee (AFC), Parliament, Council of Ministers, and Authority of Heads of State and Government.
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