Golden History of Unity: ECOWAS at 50—A Reexamination of Integration, Diplomacy, and Development in West Africa. By Raymond Enoch
As the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) approaches the grand launch of its Golden Jubilee Tuesday 22nd of April 2025 at Accra Ghana, the moment presents a compelling opportunity to reflect on the institution’s 50-year journey of fostering integration, peace, and development across the region.
Paradigm News International considers this as unique opportunity to delve into it’s past in order to bring forward much about it’s activities some of which some citizens and people across the West African States may not have known
For over five decades, ECOWAS has served not just as a regional body, but as a beacon of African solidarity, facilitating cooperation among its 15 member states, until recently and promoted regional unity amidst diverse political and economic landscapes.
Founded on May 28, 1975, ECOWAS was born out of a visionary aspiration: to create a borderless, economically vibrant West Africa where people could move freely, engage in commerce, and live in peace and dignity. Its core mission—promoting cooperation and integration leading to an economic union—was set to transform the trajectory of development for over 400 million West Africans.
Over the years, ECOWAS has recorded significant milestones that have cemented its place in the annals of regional diplomacy and integration. The creation of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS), the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement, and the establishment of the ECOWAS Parliament and Court of Justice are notable frameworks that continue to underpin regional policies and people-centered development. These structures have ensured that member countries collaborate on shared economic goals, human rights, and democratic principles.
In recent years, the ECOWAS Commission has doubled down on critical initiatives ranging from peacekeeping to electoral monitoring, education, health, energy, and infrastructure. The spotlight in the Commission’s 2024 Communications Directorate’s trilingual news magazine showcased wide-ranging achievements—evidence of an institution deeply rooted in service to its member states. From supporting sustainable agricultural practices to deploying regional forces for conflict resolution, ECOWAS has proven to be a stabilizing force.
However, the journey hasn’t been without challenges. The resurgence of military coups in member states such as Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso under the AES alliance has tested the unity and diplomatic resolve of the bloc. Yet, ECOWAS remains steadfast, advocating for constitutional order while leveraging diplomacy over division.
As the sun rises on its 50th year, ECOWAS stands as a testament to what regional unity can achieve. It has elevated the voice of West Africa on the global stage and delivered development that reaches beyond borders. In an era where integration is key to continental progress, ECOWAS continues to uphold the ideals of democracy, good governance, and economic advancement.
The Golden Jubilee is not just a celebration of the past—it is a call to action for the future, one that beckons every West African to continue building the shared vision of a peaceful, prosperous, and united region
