The Upper River Region of The Gambia came alive with pride and celebration as communities gathered to mark the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This golden jubilee event symbolized five decades of regional unity, peace, and development across West Africa.
The day began with an energetic march past through the streets of Basse, featuring The Gambia College students alongside their Student Union leaders. They were joined by the Governor of the Upper River Region, the ECOWAS Resident Representative Miatta Lily French, and the Director of the ECOWAS National Office in The Gambia. This powerful procession embodied the spirit of solidarity and the shared commitment to ECOWAS’ vision for the region.
The march culminated at the Gambia College campus, the venue for the day’s main activities. Here, inspiring speeches celebrated the Community’s achievements and looked ahead at the future.
The Director of ECOWAS National Office, opened by acknowledging ECOWAS’ foundational role since its establishment in 1975 through the Treaty of Lagos. She highlighted the organization’s expanded role since 1993, encompassing peace, democratic governance, and social development. She reflected proudly on ECOWAS’ pivotal role in facilitating the peaceful transition of power in The Gambia during the 2016 presidential elections, underscoring the Community’s commitment to democracy.
She outlined key economic initiatives such as the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS), Common External Tariff (CET), and the Interconnected Transit Guarantee System (SIGMAT), which have fostered intra-regional trade and industrial growth. The Director also detailed ongoing collaborations with Gambian ministries targeting the eradication of obstetric fistula, human capital development strategies, and drug rehabilitation infrastructure, emphasizing ECOWAS’ commitment to holistic regional development.
The ECOWAS Representative Miatta Lily French focused on the future, highlighting transformative projects like the Quadrupolar Bridge, which will revolutionize transport and trade by reducing travel times and fostering stronger regional links.
She placed significant emphasis on youth empowerment, applauding the spirited debate competition as a vital platform for nurturing public speaking, critical thinking, and leadership skills among young people. She encouraged youth to embrace leadership roles that require not only confidence in speech but also tolerance and the ability to listen respectfully.
The Governor acknowledged the challenges that persist within the region, including infrastructure gaps, regulatory hurdles, and occasional border tensions. However, he urged all stakeholders to prioritize unity and collaboration over nationalism, reminding the audience of the African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
He also stressed the strategic importance of The Gambia as a beacon of peace and a vital link within the ECOWAS framework, calling on young people to expand their identity beyond national borders and contribute to regional integration.
The participation of The Gambia College students and their Student Union was a highlight of the day, symbolizing the crucial role of youth in sustaining ECOWAS’ vision. The event fostered a sense of belonging to a wider West African community, emphasizing the values of cooperation, free movement, and shared prosperity.
Concluding the celebration, all speakers reaffirmed The Gambia’s dedication to the ECOWAS Vision 2050. This vision sets the course for a future of inclusive economic growth, strengthened democratic governance, social development, and seamless regional connectivity.
The 50th ECOWAS Day celebration in Basse was not only a tribute to the past but a call to action a rallying cry for peace, unity, and collective progress, driven by an empowered and engaged youth.
