DAKAR, Senegal – The Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa joined other regional bodies to celebrate 50 years of the Economic Community of West African States at a special event in Dakar.
The commemoration, held on June 3, brought together ambassadors from the regional bloc, guests from embassies including the United States, France, and Lebanon, and staff from institutions based in Senegal.
The celebration highlighted the organization’s legacy of unity, economic integration, and peace since its founding in 1975.
According to a press release by ECOWAS on Saturday, the event emphasized the West African bloc’s continued efforts toward inclusive and sustainable development, in line with its Vision 2050 agenda.
ECOWAS was established on May 28, 1975, by signing the Lagos Treaty. The treaty has been revised to adapt to regional changes and promote stronger cooperation among member states.
The golden jubilee event followed the official launch of anniversary activities on April 22 in Accra, Ghana.
At the Dakar celebration, speakers, including the organization’s Permanent Representative in Senegal, Zelma Yollande Nobre Fassinou, and GIABA Director General Edwin W. Harris Jr., reflected on the bloc’s achievements and its evolution from a union of states to a community centered on its people.
Attendees were encouraged to uphold the founding values of the regional organization and to pursue sustainable growth and unity across West Africa.
The event also featured a presentation of Vision 2050, aimed at deepening public understanding and support for the bloc’s long-term development goals.
