The West African region continues to grapple with challenges related to security, cross-border conflicts, political crises, and economic insecurity. In response, the involvement of civil society, particularly young people, is deemed crucial for implementing integration and peace promotion policies.
The ECOWAS Club at Gaston Berger University in Saint-Louis, Senegal, organized a meeting from February 7 to 8, 2025. The event aimed to raise awareness and engage young people along with local and institutional players on regional integration, cooperation, and peace issues in West Africa. The meeting was attended by H.E. Mrs. Zelma FASSINOU, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Senegal.
The "48 Hours" of the ECOWAS Club provided a platform for discussion on how youth can contribute to building a united and peaceful West Africa while promoting the mission of ECOWAS. Discussions centered on diplomacy's role in African integration and peace as well as the mobility and integration of young people within the ECOWAS region.
Various panels were led by eminent specialists such as Ambassador Saliou CISSE, General Jean Luc DIENNE, Professor Alioune SALL (a former judge at the ECOWAS Court of Justice), and Professor Moussa DIOP.
By the end of this two-day event, participants gained a better understanding of ECOWAS's mission in promoting regional security. Cultural diversity was highlighted through exhibitions and performances that showcased the cultural richness of ECOWAS countries.
Concrete recommendations emerged from these discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation within universities and higher institutions through student exchanges. There was also an emphasis on including ECOWAS Clubs in decision-making processes related to political integration at the community level.
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