ECOWAS Council of the Wise retreat opens in Accra

By Alex Adi

The Economic Community of West African States Council of the Wise has convened in Accra to strengthen the bloc’s capacity to address complex challenges facing West Africa.

ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Abdel-Fatau Musah, said the Council plays a vital role in maintaining peace and stability within the sub-region.

Speaking to GBNews at the opening ceremony of the third retreat of the Council, held under the theme “Fostering the Effectiveness of the ECOWAS Council of the Wise,” Dr Musah cited Ghana as a strong example of effective backchannel diplomacy in the region.

The Council of the Wise comprises distinguished individuals from member states who have excelled in their fields and are expected to use their experience and diplomatic skills to mediate tensions before they escalate into conflict.

Dr Musah underscored the urgency of proactive diplomacy, highlighting the need for early intervention in addressing regional challenges. He cited recent border disputes and undemocratic changes in government, including tensions involving Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia, as well as political instability in Guinea-Bissau.

“The current global landscape demands that ECOWAS be assertive and act swiftly. We face threats of terrorism and violent extremism, further fuelled by the proliferation of dangerous weapons,” he said.

The retreat aims to identify and address barriers to the Council’s effectiveness.

“We must learn from the past. ECOWAS needs to be a key player in shaping Africa’s future within this multipolar world. We must address pressing issues such as strengthening democratic institutions, tackling security concerns, and driving economic integration,” Dr Musah added.

In a statement read on his behalf, the Chairperson of the Council of the Wise and former Nigerian president, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, said that since the Council’s inauguration in 2021, members have operated under challenging conditions marked by political instability and governance concerns in parts of the region.

The meeting is expected to produce concrete recommendations to enhance the Council’s effectiveness and promote regional stability.

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