H.E Dr Omar Alieu Touray Reaffirms ECOWAS Commitment to Justice, Human Dignity, Social Inclusion By Raymond Enoch
The President of the Economic Community of West African States (EECOWAS), Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, has reaffirmed the regional institution’s unwavering commitment to promoting justice, protecting human dignity and advancing social inclusion across West Africa, describing access to justice as a cornerstone of sustainable peace and development.
Dr. Touray made the declaration during a courtesy meeting with representatives of the Detainees Welfare Foundation of the Black Pelican Group in Abuja, where discussions focused on strengthening legal support for indigent pre-trial detainees and other vulnerable inmates in Nigeria.
The Foundation briefed the ECOWAS President on its legal aid programme, which provides free legal representation to underserved detainees, helping to reduce prolonged detention and improve access to justice for society’s most vulnerable.
In response, Dr. Touray applauded the Foundation’s humanitarian work and encouraged it to sustain its intervention, stressing that every life restored through justice strengthens families, builds public confidence in institutions and contributes to a safer and more peaceful ECOWAS region.
The Foundation, represented by Programme Director Ms. Fatimah Akande and Programme Coordinator Ms. Hajara Umar Nataala, expressed appreciation for ECOWAS’ continued support, describing it as instrumental in expanding justice delivery and protecting vulnerable communities. The organisation also reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration with the Commission in promoting rehabilitation and the social reintegration of indigent detainees.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Habibu Yaya Bappah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Internal Services; Mr. Abdou Kolley, Director of Cabinet, Office of the President; and Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim, Acting Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, underscoring the Commission’s coordinated approach to advancing a people-centred agenda built on justice, inclusion and human dignity.
The engagement reinforces ECOWAS’ growing emphasis on ensuring that regional integration is matched by stronger protection of human rights, equitable access to justice and meaningful support for vulnerable populations across West Africa.
