The West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF) has reaffirmed its commitment to building a more inclusive, accountable and people-centred ECOWAS through stronger citizen participation in regional governance.
Representing WACSOF, its Regional Executive Secretary participated as a panelist at the Regional Dialogue and Experience Sharing Workshop on ECOSOCC-West Africa, organised by the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS) in Abuja.
The two-day dialogue brought together civil society leaders, ECOWAS representatives, governance experts, development partners and democracy advocates from across West Africa to examine how ECOSOCC-West Africa (ECOSOCC-WA) can evolve into an effective platform for citizen participation, democratic governance and regional integration.
Speaking during the panel session, the WACSOF representative stressed the need for ECOSOCC-WA to be fit for purpose—moving beyond symbolic consultation to become an independent, representative and inclusive institution capable of giving citizens and non-state actors a meaningful voice in shaping ECOWAS policies and priorities.
He emphasized that women, young people, labour unions, academia, professional associations, civil society organisations and other stakeholders must have structured opportunities to participate in decisions that directly affect the region.
“If we truly desire an ECOWAS of the People, citizen engagement must be institutionalized—not treated as an afterthought.”
For WACSOF, a people-centred ECOWAS requires more than regional institutions and policy frameworks. It requires mechanisms that enable citizens to participate, influence policy, demand accountability and contribute to the peace, prosperity and integration of West Africa.
WACSOF therefore remains committed to working with ECOWAS, WADEMOS, WACSI, WANEP, CDD-West Africa, development partners and civil society organisations across the region to strengthen ECOSOCC-WA and advance democratic governance, accountability, peace, regional integration and meaningful citizen participation.
WACSOF appreciates WADEMOS for convening this important dialogue and commends all participants for the rich exchange of experiences, ideas and perspectives.
The journey towards an ECOWAS that truly belongs to its people continues.
Representing WACSOF, its Regional Executive Secretary participated as a panelist at the Regional Dialogue and Experience Sharing Workshop on ECOSOCC-West Africa, organised by the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS) in Abuja.
The two-day dialogue brought together civil society leaders, ECOWAS representatives, governance experts, development partners and democracy advocates from across West Africa to examine how ECOSOCC-West Africa (ECOSOCC-WA) can evolve into an effective platform for citizen participation, democratic governance and regional integration.
Speaking during the panel session, the WACSOF representative stressed the need for ECOSOCC-WA to be fit for purpose—moving beyond symbolic consultation to become an independent, representative and inclusive institution capable of giving citizens and non-state actors a meaningful voice in shaping ECOWAS policies and priorities.
He emphasized that women, young people, labour unions, academia, professional associations, civil society organisations and other stakeholders must have structured opportunities to participate in decisions that directly affect the region.
“If we truly desire an ECOWAS of the People, citizen engagement must be institutionalized—not treated as an afterthought.”
For WACSOF, a people-centred ECOWAS requires more than regional institutions and policy frameworks. It requires mechanisms that enable citizens to participate, influence policy, demand accountability and contribute to the peace, prosperity and integration of West Africa.
WACSOF therefore remains committed to working with ECOWAS, WADEMOS, WACSI, WANEP, CDD-West Africa, development partners and civil society organisations across the region to strengthen ECOSOCC-WA and advance democratic governance, accountability, peace, regional integration and meaningful citizen participation.
WACSOF appreciates WADEMOS for convening this important dialogue and commends all participants for the rich exchange of experiences, ideas and perspectives.
The journey towards an ECOWAS that truly belongs to its people continues.