Outgoing ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray has called on West African leaders to begin a new cycle of reforms to strengthen regional integration, saying the bloc is at a critical moment in its history.
Addressing the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government in Lungi, Sierra Leone, Touray said the expectations of more than 450 million citizens for peace, security and prosperity have never been greater despite growing challenges, including terrorism, political instability, economic shocks and climate change.
Touray urged leaders to adopt a “Pact for the Future” with goals that include boosting intra-regional trade to 40 percent by 2035, creating a single digital market, integrating the regional energy market, restoring constitutional order in member states and strengthening women’s representation in ECOWAS institutions.
Delivering his final address as Commission President, he thanked member states for their support during his four-year tenure. Senegal is expected to take over the leadership of the Commission for the 2026–2030 term, with General Birame Diop nominated to succeed him.
