Founding Fathers’ Dream For West African Integration Must Not Falter

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) stands at a crossroads as it marks its 50th anniversary. Once a beacon of regional unity and economic cooperation, the bloc now faces existential threats, particularly following the recent withdrawals of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Yet, even as scepticism looms over ECOWAS’s future, statesmen like General Yakubu Gowon and other former leaders at a high-level roundtable in Abuja signal hope. Their rallying call is clear: the dream of West African integration must not falter.

When General Gowon and his peers founded ECOWAS in 1975, their vision was rooted in a simple yet powerful idea—West Africa is stronger together. Over the past five decades, ECOWAS has championed economic integration, mediated conflicts, and promoted democracy. From stabilising Liberia and Sierra Leone to ensuring peaceful transitions of power in countries like The Gambia, the organisation has played a defining role in West Africa’s modern history.

However, the bloc is now grappling with unprecedented challenges. The recent exit of three member states—each ruled by military juntas—has exposed the deep fractures within ECOWAS. Their departure is a political statement and a rebuke of the bloc’s perceived inflexibility toward military-led governments. The response of ECOWAS—threats of sanctions and military intervention—has arguably pushed these nations further away rather than drawing them back into dialogue.

Against this backdrop, General Gowon’s words at the roundtable are particularly poignant. As the only surviving founding father of ECOWAS, his perspective is invaluable. He recognises that while the bloc is under strain, its demise is not inevitable. Instead of punitive measures, he advocates for engagement, urging ECOWAS to invite the departing nations to its 50th-anniversary celebrations. His approach reflects wisdom gained from history—lasting peace is built not on coercion but on understanding.

Gowon’s call for reconciliation is a timely reminder that ECOWAS must return to its core principles: fostering cooperation, resolving disputes through dialogue, and prioritising the welfare of West African citizens above political rivalries. The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger does not have to spell the end of regional unity. With thoughtful diplomacy, these nations could be reintegrated into the fold.

Beyond the immediate crisis, the roundtable discussions touched on broader issues—security threats, youth empowerment, and economic sustainability. West Africa is a region brimming with potential, yet it remains plagued by poverty, unemployment, and terrorism. ECOWAS’s ability to address these challenges will determine its relevance in the coming decades.

Reform is essential. The organisation must become more inclusive, transparent, and responsive to the aspirations of its people. More engagement with young West Africans—who make up the majority of the region’s population—is critical. Economic policies should be geared toward real integration, making it easier for businesses and individuals to thrive across borders.

ECOWAS’s golden jubilee is not just a celebration; it is a moment of reckoning. The decisions made in the coming months will shape the future of regional cooperation. Will ECOWAS adapt and reaffirm its place as a unifying force, or will it crumble under the weight of internal divisions?

The Abuja roundtable has shown that there are still leaders who believe in the dream of a united West Africa. Their voices must be heeded. The bloc’s survival depends on courageous leadership, pragmatic diplomacy, and a renewed commitment to the ideals that inspired its creation.

Fifty years on, ECOWAS’s journey is far from over. The next chapter must be written not in discord but in unity, not in conflict but in cooperation. If the past has taught us anything, it is that West Africa’s strength lies in its ability to stand together—even in its darkest moments.

As ECOWAS turns 50, it faces a stark choice: adapt or risk irrelevance. The Abuja roundtable has demonstrated that there is still a reservoir of goodwill and leadership capable of steering the bloc toward renewal. However, goodwill alone is not enough—bold action is needed. The coming months will be crucial. Can ECOWAS mend its fractured relationships, embrace reform, and reclaim its role as a pillar of stability in West Africa? Or will it continue down a path of division, losing its influence and credibility?

History has shown that West Africa is strongest when it stands together. ECOWAS must not allow short-term political tensions to destroy a legacy built over five decades. Now is the time for leaders to rise above personal and national interests and prioritise the collective future of the region.

General Gowon and his peers have sounded the alarm. The question is: Will today’s leaders listen?

Founding Fathers’ Dream For West African Integration Must Not Falter is first published on The Whistler Newspaper