ECOWAS President Hails Benin at 65, Calls for Unity and Progress in West Africa
By Raymond Enoch
In a heartfelt tribute marking a historic milestone, the President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), His Excellency Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, has extended warm congratulations to the Republic of Benin on the occasion of its 65th Independence Anniversary.
Dr. Touray, speaking on behalf of the ECOWAS Commission and the entire regional bloc, praised the people and government of Benin for their resilience, democratic strides, and enduring commitment to regional integration. The President’s message, released on Friday, resonated with themes of unity, progress, and the shared destiny of the West African community.
“As the Republic of Benin celebrates 65 years of nationhood, we in ECOWAS stand proudly in solidarity with a nation that continues to uphold the ideals of peace, democracy, and development,” Dr. Touray said. “Benin’s unwavering dedication to democratic values and its active participation in the regional integration agenda have made it a pillar of stability in the West African sub-region.”
Benin, which gained independence from France on August 1, 1960, has become a model of political transition and economic reform within the region. Dr. Touray commended the country’s leadership for fostering good governance and social cohesion while navigating the complexities of modern development.
He emphasized that the journey of Benin reflects the aspirations of the broader ECOWAS community, calling on all member states to recommit to the collective pursuit of peace, security, and prosperity. “The future of West Africa hinges on unity and cooperation,” he noted. “We must work together to overcome the challenges of our time—be it economic, political, or environmental—and build a stronger, more integrated region.”
Dr. Touray’s statement also underscored ECOWAS’s continued partnership with Benin in key areas such as trade facilitation, infrastructure development, security collaboration, and democratic governance. He reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to support Benin’s efforts toward sustainable growth and regional cooperation.
The anniversary comes at a time when the ECOWAS bloc is reaffirming its commitment to regional stability amid shifting political dynamics and security threats in parts of the sub-region. As one of the bloc’s founding members, Benin remains a strategic partner in advancing the goals of peace, development, and integration.
Citizens across Benin marked the Independence Day with vibrant national celebrations, flag-waving ceremonies, and cultural festivities that highlighted the country’s rich heritage and enduring national pride.
Dr. Touray concluded his message with a call to action: “On this momentous occasion, let us renew our commitment to the ECOWAS vision of a peaceful, prosperous and people-centered West Africa. Long live the Republic of Benin! Long live West African unity!”
As Benin reflects on 65 years of sovereignty, the congratulatory message from the ECOWAS President stands as a testament to the enduring bonds of regional solidarity and the shared hope for a brighter future across West Africa.
