The ECOWAS Representation to the Republic of Benin, the Government of Benin, and the West African Health Organisation (WAHO), in collaboration with the University of Abomey-Calavi and the Union of ECOWAS Nationals in Benin (UN-ECOWAS), organized a forum on "Multi-stakeholder dialogues for a more active participation of citizens in the full realization of the ECOWAS of peoples." The forum was held at the Idriss Déby ITNO auditorium of the University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC) on May 30 and 31, 2024, as part of commemorating ECOWAS's 49th anniversary in Benin.
The aim was to create a space for multi-stakeholder dialogue to encourage committed citizen participation in making ECOWAS a people’s organization. Participants included various target groups involved in implementing ECOWAS policies. Objectives were to explain regional integration through ECOWAS's objectives, achievements, and major accomplishments; prevent fake news and misinformation about ECOWAS; understand crises affecting the institution; and develop a sense of community citizenship.
Held over two days, the forum brought together stakeholders including Beninese authorities, Members of Parliament, the ECOWAS diplomatic corps in Benin, civil society actors, regional integration experts from Togo and Côte d’Ivoire among others. Twelve ECOWAS communities living in Benin participated alongside students and other citizens.
ECOWAS agencies such as WAHO, Regional Agency for Agriculture and Food, West African Power Pool, Zone E Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre, Office of the Vice-President, Political Affairs Peace and Security Department were present. Partners like African Development Bank (AfDB) and International Organisation for Migration in Benin (IOM-Benin) also attended.
Ambassador Amadou DIONGUE delivered an address during the opening ceremony. Professor Félicien AVLESSI provided words of welcome. Chief Uneke OKEREKE spoke as 1st Vice-President of UN-ECOWAS. H.E. Mr Sidu N. TIGGI represented Nigeria’s current Presidency at ECOWAS while Mrs MASSIM-OUALI AFFO Alice represented Ministerial authority from Benin.
The inaugural lecture was given by Pr Nassirou BAKO-ARIFARI on “ECOWAS of States and Peoples: a construction site at a crossroads.” Panel discussions followed on four themes: experiences/perceptions by grassroots communities; institutional architecture/governance; major achievements/prospects; emerging threats to peace/security.
During discussions citizens expressed surprise about existing ECOWAS projects/programmes impacting public health agriculture food energy infrastructure sectors managed directly or via states/NGOs calling for reforms towards building efficient capable regional responses.
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