As the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) celebrates its 50th Anniversary on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the Liberia Diplomatic Think Tank wants all member states to move from a Heads-of-states Approach to an improved People-center Approach to accelerate stable economic growth, inclusive governance, peace and security.
Amidst the growing threat of some member states opting out of ECOWAS, terrorism, and human rights abuse, it is the right time to incorporate citizens’ participation in decision-making.
This is a bedrock to deepen economic ties, foster unity, and implement structural reforms to strengthen its members’ political governance.
The Liberia Diplomatic Think Tank made the call in a statement titled “A Time to Reflect on Member States Challenges and Incorporate People-centered Approach instead of Heads-of-States Approach” as member States commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the sub- region.
“West African states have collectively come a long way in preventing conflict and promoting economic growth which is sine qua non to mitigate the huge unemployment rate in West Africa. With ECOWAS coordinating and projecting member states developmental paths, more needs to be planned, executed, and results evaluated. Citizens must participate in the making of decisions that affect them.
“The Liberia Diplomatic Think Tank believes this will include ensuring free, honest, and transparent elections and limiting the mandates of heads of state. It will also show capacity gaps and provide strategies to enhance the region’s human development index- a fulcrum to transformation across the region.
“LiDTT calls on ECOWAS to be more proactive in monitoring and strengthening democratic governance within its member states. It must prioritize civic education, improve the quality of electoral processes, and impose sanctions on heads of state that circumvent the constitution or prolong their stay in power through constitutional maneuvering- changing the constitution to suit their needs once their tenure is about to end.
“LiDTT believes that ECOWAS can do better by reinforcing stability and security within its member states given the ongoing security challenges in the region. ECOWAS must strengthen its role in maintaining peace and security, including addressing terrorism and violent extremism.
“Finally, there is a growing and urgent need for ECOWAS to strengthen the ECOWAS Commission, members of state parliament, institutional capacity, and structural reform, while also promoting citizen participation in decision-making at all levels. West Africa must do things differently to enhance the gains the region has made over the years.
About Liberia Diplomatic Think Tank
LiDTT is an apolitical diplomatic research group that endeavors to promote and harness peace, security, and economic growth through diplomacy.
