ECOWAS Envoys Meet in Lomé to Review Progress, Chart Future for the Region By Raymond Enoch
Resident and Permanent Representatives of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have begun a strategic retreat in Lomé, Togo, to assess the progress made in implementing the Commission’s 2022–2026 mandate and to map out the future direction of the regional body.
The five-day meeting, holding from March 9 to 13, 2026, brings together ECOWAS Resident and Permanent Representatives serving across member states, alongside members of the Cabinet of the President of the ECOWAS Commission. The retreat also includes several outgoing representatives, creating a platform for dialogue, reflection and exchange of experiences between former and newly appointed envoys.
The gathering is expected to take stock of the achievements recorded so far under the Commission’s current mandate while also identifying priorities and strategies for the remaining period.
In her welcome remarks, the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Togo, H.E. Ms. Dewey Emily Gray, highlighted the importance of the retreat, noting that the meeting comes at a critical moment for the regional bloc as it reflects on its progress and future direction.
She said bringing together both outgoing and newly appointed representatives would strengthen institutional memory and promote a shared understanding of ECOWAS’ objectives across member states.
The retreat was officially opened on behalf of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, by the Chief of Staff to the President of the Commission, Mr. Abdou Kolley.
Kolley underscored the strategic role played by the Resident and Permanent Representations in advancing ECOWAS programmes and initiatives across the region since the start of the Commission’s 2022–2026 mandate.
According to him, the representatives serve as vital links between the Commission and member states, helping to ensure the effective implementation of ECOWAS policies and regional development programmes.
Participants at the retreat are expected to engage in discussions on strengthening coordination, improving the visibility of ECOWAS activities in member states, and enhancing collaboration with national authorities and regional stakeholders.
The meeting also provides a forum to reflect on lessons learned over the past four years and to explore new approaches that could further deepen regional integration, cooperation and development within West Africa.
Observers say the outcome of the Lomé retreat could shape the final phase of the Commission’s current mandate as ECOWAS continues to pursue its goals of regional stability, economic integration and collective development.
