The 95th Ordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Council of Ministers ended on Friday after three days of deliberations on security, political stability and economic integration in the region.
The meeting, held in Abuja from December 10 to 12, was chaired by Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Timothy Kabba, and focused on major challenges confronting West Africa.
Ministers reviewed rising security threats, including violent extremism in the Sahel, the proliferation of small arms, transnational organised crime, maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea and the persistence of unconstitutional changes of government.
In his closing remarks, Kabba said the council also examined political developments in several member states and their implications for democratic governance, reaffirming ECOWAS’s commitment to democracy, constitutional order and the rule of law.
“These threats, though serious, are not insurmountable,” Kabba said, noting that ECOWAS’s strength lies in regional unity, solidarity and the use of both diplomatic and operational measures to safeguard peace and stability.
Economic integration featured prominently, with ministers calling for faster implementation of regional initiatives such as the ECOWAS single currency, free movement of persons and the Customs Union. Kabba said global economic uncertainty had heightened the need to boost intra-regional trade and reduce structural vulnerabilities.
Humanitarian and climate-related challenges were also discussed, including food insecurity, displacement, health emergencies and climate shocks. Ministers agreed on the need for coordinated regional responses, stronger early-warning systems and improved preparedness for vulnerable communities.
At the close of the session, Kabba said the council adopted recommendations to be forwarded to the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government for consideration.
He commended the ECOWAS Commission, permanent representatives and conference support teams for their roles and thanked Nigeria for hosting the meeting, as the region continues to grapple with political instability and security challenges in several member states.