The new President, Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Commission), General Birame Diop, has called for respect and tolerance among members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as he takes over leadership from Dr Aliou Omar Toure.

Speaking yesterday at the official handover ceremony in Abuja, Diop emphasised that for the commission to be effectively positioned, leaders must bear a responsibility that is tolerant and patient considering the distinct cultural backgrounds of members.

He also decried that the region is at a crossroads and must urgently strengthen internal cohesion and deepen engagement with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

“We are taking office at a time when our organisation is at a crossroads. It is roughly over a year since three founding members of our organisation unfortunately left us. The directions we received from the highest authorities are to respect this sovereign decision taken by the three countries but to continue to keep our hand extended so that together we can explore and exploit all the opportunities that will be offered to both parties to try to cooperate as closely as possible.​

“We have exchanges that occur naturally between the two spaces. We experience terrorism together, which is a threat and a major concern for both spaces. We also have irregular migration, organised trans-bounder crime and environmental problems with all the natural disasters that stem from them.

“So, we have no other choice than to work in a solidary and in concerted manner for the interest of both spaces”, he said.

The new ECOWAS President equally pledged to collaborate with Senegal to ensure that the political crisis in Guinea-Bissau is resolved in the best possible manner.

Diop however decried paucity of fund, which he described as a major problem confronting the bloc and called for innovative sources of funding to aid counter terrorism fight and the capacity to implement over 50 programmes designed by the Commission.

In his handover remarks, the outgoing President, Dr Omar Alieu Toure, scored his tenure high, stressing that four years after, he is leaving the position with a sense of satisfaction.

According to him, the region was confronted with most difficult challenges in its history, including political transitions, security threats, terrorism and violent extremism, humanitarian pressures, economic difficulties engendered by COVID-19 as well as institutional reforms.

“We advanced major regional infrastructure and connectivity initiatives, including the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline and the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway. We strengthened regional electricity interconnection and continued to modernise trade and transport corridors.”

As he hands over officially, he stated that leaders should continue to build the ECOWAS that belongs to its people, one strong enough to defend peace, flexible enough to adapt to change and visionary enough to prepare for the future.

As he called for unity, continuity and hope, Toure reminded the incoming president of the fact that he has inherited an institution, not only with enormous responsibilities but also enormous potential.

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, urged members to remain firmly anchored to the vision of the founding fathers.

“Their vision was that of a united, peaceful, prosperous and integrated West Africa, where the barriers separating our peoples are progressively removed, and where the benefits of integration translate into concrete improvements in the lives and livelihood of our citizens.”

The Minister therefore urged the incoming management to be dedicated to pursuing programs and projects that have direct and measurable impacts on the lives of community citizens.

“Our priorities should include the strengthening of mechanisms for free movement, promoting inter-regional trade and investment, improving regional infrastructure, promoting innovation and creativity, including connectivity, while also enhancing food and energy security”, he said.