ECOWAS Leaders Converge on Abuja for 68th Ordinary Session
Heads of government and senior officials from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have gathered in Nigeria’s capital for the 68th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, initiating deliberations on pressing political, economic, and security issues facing the region.
The high‑level meeting opened at the State House Conference Centre on Sunday, drawing representatives from across the 15‑nation bloc.
The summit’s agenda reflects a broad set of priorities as ECOWAS grapples with a surge in political instability and challenges to constitutional governance in multiple member states.
Leaders are expected to engage in a **special debate focusing on the future trajectory of the community**, in addition to reviewing critical areas such as security cooperation, economic integration, and governance reforms.
Among the dignitaries in attendance is **President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana**, who has flown into Abuja to take part in both open and closed‑door sessions designed to advance discussions on collective strategies for peace and prosperity.
Similarly, President Adama Barrow of The Gambia arrived ahead of the summit, underlining his country’s dedication to reinforcing shared regional goals and cooperative responses to common challenges.
Organisers have made it clear that the forum will not only spotlight regional security and mediation efforts such as governance transitions in countries like Guinea‑Bissau and Benin but also deliver an overview of economic progress through presentations like the 2025 Annual Report on the State of the Community.
Security threats — driven by recent coup attempts and emerging insurgencies — remain high on the agenda, with discussions likely to revisit ongoing efforts to foster democratic resilience and coordinate collective defence mechanisms across the sub‑region.
The summit will culminate in the issuance of a final communiqué, outlining the bloc’s agreed positions on the issues debated and providing a roadmap for future action.
A joint press briefing with top leaders is also scheduled to communicate outcomes to the public and press corps.
This gathering of West African leaders takes place against a backdrop of heightened urgency for regional solidarity and cooperation, as member nations confront overlapping social, economic, and geopolitical pressures.
The decisions emerging from this session are anticipated to shape the course of ECOWAS’s collective policy and strategic initiatives heading into 2026.
