Diplomatic Unity in Dakar, GIABA, ECOWAS Celebrate 50 Years with a People-Centered Agenda.
By Raymond Enoch
In a colourful ceremony that underscored the spirit of unity and regional cooperation, the Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) spearheaded a grand celebration in Dakar to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in commemoration of ECOWAS Day.
The event, held in collaboration with the ECOWAS Gender Development Centre (EGDC), the ECOWAS Permanent Mission in Senegal, and the ECOWAS National Office, brought together an influential cross-section of the diplomatic community. Ambassadors and representatives from the United States, France, Lebanon, and the European Union joined the occasion, along with staff from various ECOWAS institutions based in Senegal.
Her Excellency Mrs. Zelma Yollande Nobre Fassinou, ECOWAS Permanent Representative in Senegal, opened the programme with an inspiring address on the bloc’s progress over five decades. Mrs. Aïta Gueye Diallo of the ECOWAS National Office echoed similar sentiments, celebrating the organisation’s growth and impact in the region.
GIABA’s Director General, Mr. Edwin W. Harris Jr., delivered the official ECOWAS@50 message, highlighting the significant strides made in regional security, economic cooperation, and anti-money laundering efforts. He called on stakeholders to redouble their commitment to building a resilient, integrated West Africa.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of ECOWAS Vision 2050, a strategic framework aimed at fostering inclusive development, deepening integration, and prioritising the needs of the people in every corner of the region.
“The road ahead must be paved with unity, resilience, and shared purpose,” Mr. Harris said. “Vision 2050 is not just a document—it is our collective roadmap for a more inclusive, prosperous and secure West Africa.”
As music, culture, and diplomatic dialogue blended throughout the day, the celebration served as a vibrant reminder of ECOWAS’s founding ideals—and the enduring relevance of its mission 50 years on.
