The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Representation in Benin celebrated the 49th anniversary of the institution’s creation with a cocktail reception at the Salle Polyvalente of the Palais des Congrès in Cotonou on 28 May 2024.
The event was attended by members of the diplomatic and consular corps accredited to Benin, Beninese authorities, presidents and former presidents of institutions, eminent personalities, and members of the Union of ECOWAS Nationals.
Ambassador Amadou DIONGUE, in his address, discussed the challenges of sub-regional integration and highlighted ECOWAS’s achievements over its 49 years of existence. He expressed hope for progress in addressing the many challenges facing the institution, in line with the theme of the 49th anniversary: ‘Strengthening Regional Unity, Peace and Security’. The Ambassador expressed confidence that the forces of unity and integration will prevail for prosperity, solidarity, and democracy in West Africa.
Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Mrs. MASSIM-OUALI AFFO Alice, thanked ECOWAS on behalf of the Government of Benin for its support of the Government Action Programme (GAP) of President Patrice TALON.
The Representation organized various activities as part of the anniversary celebration, including the finals of the second edition of the Genius in the Making competition for secondary schools, the first edition of the Public Speaking Competition involving the country’s four public universities, and a multi-stakeholder forum to gather different perspectives on the state and future of the Community from academics, state institutions, civil society, diplomatic missions, and representatives of certain ECOWAS entities.
