President of Republic Reaffirms Mauritania’s Support for Regional Integration at ECOWAS Summit

In his address to the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), held on Sunday in Lungi, Republic of Sierra Leone, His Excellency the President of the Republic, Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, reaffirmed Mauritania’s commitment to continuing to work with its partners to build a more integrated, sovereign, stable, and prosperous Africa. He stressed that the future of regional integration in West Africa depends on the ability of the region’s countries to strengthen dialogue, deepen cooperation, and prioritize collective action in addressing their shared challenges.

The President began his address by expressing his gratitude to His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, and to the Sierra Leonean people for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended to him and his accompanying delegation. He also commended the excellent organization of the summit.

He noted that the choice of the summit’s theme, “The Future of Regional Integration in West Africa,” reflects the importance of considering the foundations upon which the region’s future partnership should be built, while fully embracing the shared responsibility to build an integrated, prosperous, and resilient Africa.

President El Ghazouani emphasized that ECOWAS represents one of Africa’s foremost regional integration initiatives. Since its establishment, the community has embodied the ambition to create a more united and prosperous West African region that is better equipped to meet the aspirations of its peoples.

In this context, he reaffirmed Mauritania’s strong belief in the importance of this vision, noting that the country’s engagement with ECOWAS culminated in the conclusion and ratification of a partnership agreement.

He added that this vision of integration is fully aligned with the African Union’s efforts to achieve Agenda 2063 through flagship initiatives and programmes, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), regional connectivity and infrastructure projects, and measures to strengthen resilience to climate change.

The President also highlighted the significant role played by West African countries in advancing regional and sub-regional integration mechanisms. He cited several successful initiatives, including the Senegal River Development Organization (OMVS), the Gambia River Development Organization (OMVG), and the West African Power Pool (WAPP), emphasizing that these initiatives have strengthened infrastructure, facilitated economic exchange, and laid the foundations for meaningful regional integration.

He stressed that the success of the regional integration process requires greater trust, coordination, and solidarity among member states, noting that the strength of any integration project is measured not only by the effectiveness of its institutions but also by its ability to promote security and stability, which are indispensable prerequisites for sustainable development and integration.

Consequently, he called for greater regional cooperation to combat terrorism, transnational organized crime, and the various forms of conflict that threaten stability and undermine the integration process.

Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of strengthening coordination among regional and sub-regional security initiatives and mechanisms, including the Nouakchott Process, the Accra Initiative, and the ECOWAS Early Warning System, through a comprehensive approach that links security, development, governance, and regional integration.

In conclusion, the President stated that respecting the region’s diversity, remaining faithful to its shared values, and drawing strength from solidarity are the essential pillars for building an integrated Africa capable of fulfilling its peoples’ aspirations for security, development, and prosperity.