Chijioke Iremeka The United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, says rapidly evolving global political, social, environmental, and security challenges are jeopardizing peace and economic development across West African states. She stated this at an event commemorating the 49th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States on Sunday. Mohammed reiterated the importance of a multilateral and inclusive response, while noting progress made by the ECOWAS, alongside immediate challenges.
According to her, over the last decade, the region has seen an exponential rise in terrorism that has reversed its development and gains. She said this has been further exacerbated by the resurgence of unconstitutional government changes that poses a significant threat to regional stability. Mohammed noted that humanitarian needs are rising amid the web of crises, “creating new dynamics, bringing new risks of conflicts, beyond the region.
” “ECOWAS at 49 serves as a reminder that the road ahead is challenging, but it is also filled with potential. This requires both a multilateral and regional response to the complexities each country faces.” On the need for collective solutions, the Deputy Secretary-General underscored the need to use all existing tools, while also designing new solutions collectively to meet the expectations of the people.
She said, “Peace and security must underpin the ‘Vision for Africa’ in the African Union’s Agenda 2063 socio-economi.