The ECOWAS Heads of State held a summit yesterday in Abuja. The discussion entailed the political situation in Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso, combating terrorism in the Sahel and the idea of a common currency. The summit also included laying the foundations for the new ECOWAS headquarters.
The discussed projects turned out to be ambitious, for the leaders could not arrive at a common conclusion, especially with regards to the three countries being under a transitional regime whose agendas for a return to democratically elected civil powers are a cause of misunderstandings between the powers. Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso's transition times are subject to constant discussions and negotiations.
From Mali through Guinea to Burkina, ECOWAS is trying to find the right balance to ensure democracy in the region firmly. The new President of the Commission, the Gambian Omar Alieu Tourey has quite a challenge ahead of him.
Partnering with China, ECOWAS also began constructing its new headquarters. Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, described the project as "a symbol of China's commitment to ECOWAS." After finishing, the building would house the regional bloc's three major institutions, including the ECOWAS Secretariat, the Community Court of Justice, and the ECOWAS Parliament.
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