On Monday, June 10, 2024, the 49th anniversary of ECOWAS was celebrated at the ECOWAS Resident Representation in Côte d’Ivoire. The event was held under the patronage of His Excellency Mr. Kacou Houaja Léon ADOM, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Ivorians Living Abroad. The theme of the celebration was “Strengthening Regional Unity, Peace and Security.”
The opening ceremony saw attendance from various dignitaries including Mr. Kacou Houaja Léon ADOM; Honourable Ilahiri Alcide DJEDJE representing Her Excellency Mrs. Kandia KAMISSOKO CAMARA, President of the Côte d’Ivoire Senate; and Mr. Jean-Marc YACE, Mayor of Cocody. Senior Ivorian government officials, Heads of Diplomatic and Consular Missions accredited to Côte d’Ivoire, Representatives of International Organisations, as well as Presidents and representatives of agencies and associations from ECOWAS Member States living in Côte d’Ivoire were also present.
In his speech, Mr. ADOM praised ECOWAS's significant achievements in areas such as free movement of people and goods, economic and social programs, cultural exchanges, security, monetary and financial cooperation. He also highlighted challenges facing ECOWAS particularly in governance and the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
El Hadj Sekou KABA, President of the Union of Nationals of ECOWAS Member States in Côte d’Ivoire (UREM-CEDEAO-CI), stated that "ECOWAS is an essential tool for promoting peace, security, prosperity and integration." He called for unity to achieve the objectives of the 2050 agenda aimed at promoting an "ECOWAS of peoples."
Her Excellency Mrs. Fanta CISSE expressed her gratitude to the people and Government of Côte d'Ivoire for their unwavering support for the common mission to promote peace, stability and development in the region. She emphasized that ECOWAS is facing new challenges and emerging threats which need to be confronted together.
Ambassador Fanta Cisse also highlighted ECOWAS Vision 2050 which aims for regional prosperity through inclusive economic growth, strengthened integration, democratic governance.
The ceremony concluded with a traditional cake-cutting ceremony followed by a group photograph. Activities marking the 49th anniversary continued on Tuesday with a donation presentation to Williamsville Urban Health Unit’s maternity unit in Adjame commune in Abidjan by Ambassador Fanta Cisse.
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