ECOWAS ministers reaffirm commitment to regional peace, security, economic integration
Ministers of the Economic Community of West African States have reaffirmed their collective commitment to regional peace, security, and economic integration.
The resolution was reached following the conclusion of the 95th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers.
The three-day meeting, held from December 10 to 12, 2025, ended with a renewed resolve to deepen cooperation and advance shared prosperity across the sub-region.
In his closing remarks, the Chair of the Ministerial Council and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sierra Leone described the deliberations as open, constructive, and productive.
He said the discussions reflected the strong collective will of member states to strengthen regional cohesion and move ECOWAS forward despite mounting internal and external pressures.
The Chair commended delegates for their active participation, noting that their engagement demonstrated ECOWAS’s enduring commitment to peace, stability, and integration.
He also paid tribute to the Government and people of Nigeria for hosting the session, praising the smooth organisation and support provided by conference officials, diplomats, and technical teams.
During the session, ministers reviewed key security and governance challenges facing West Africa, including terrorism and violent extremism, the spread of small arms, transnational organised crime, maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea, and unconstitutional changes of government. Climate change and its growing impact on regional stability also featured prominently in the discussions.
While acknowledging the seriousness of these threats, the Chair stressed that they could be addressed through unity, solidarity, and a balanced mix of diplomatic engagement and operational responses.
He emphasised that collective action remains the strongest tool available to the Community.
The Council also examined political developments in some member states and their implications for democratic governance.
In this context, Sierra Leone reaffirmed its commitment to ECOWAS principles, stressing that democracy, constitutional order, and the rule of law remain central to the identity and credibility of the regional bloc.
On economic integration, ministers underscored the need to accelerate flagship initiatives such as the ECOWAS Single Currency programme, the Free Movement Protocols, and the Customs Union.
The meeting highlighted the urgency of closing integration gaps and strengthening intra-regional trade in the face of global economic uncertainty.
Sierra Leone pledged to work closely with other member states and ECOWAS institutions to promote youth employment, innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable development.
The Ministers agreed that addressing structural vulnerabilities is key to building a more competitive and resilient West African economy.
Humanitarian concerns and climate-related vulnerabilities were also discussed, with ministers noting the link between food insecurity, displacement, education disruptions, and natural disasters. They called for coordinated regional responses, improved early warning systems, and stronger resource mobilisation to support affected communities.
In his final remarks, the Chair urged member states to translate decisions taken at the session into concrete action by strengthening coordination and maintaining open communication. Reaffirming Sierra Leone’s commitment to ECOWAS, he described the Community as a pillar of stability in an uncertain global environment before formally declaring the session closed.
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