As part of ongoing activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the ECOWAS Representation in Benin, in collaboration with the Government of Benin, the West African Power Pool (WAPP), and the Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre (MMCC) Zone E, organised a commemorative march through the streets of Cotonou on Saturday, June 28, 2025.
The event, dubbed the “Jubilee Walk,” drew over 300 participants, including government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from ECOWAS specialised agencies, development partners, youth groups, NGOs, students, and teachers.
Commencing at 7:00 a.m. from Place de l’Amazone, the march traced a scenic route through Place Bio Guéra before looping back to its starting point by 10:00 a.m. A high-level delegation led the march, featuring Ambassador Amadou DIONGUE, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Benin; a representative of the Beninese Minister for Sport; the Director of MMCC Zone E; and a representative of the WAPP Secretary General.
Also in attendance were the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Benin, the Resident Representatives of UEMOA and UNFPA, and Ambassador Francis OKE, former Permanent Representative of ECOWAS to the African Union, whose presence lent gravitas to the celebration.
The march was held under the golden jubilee theme, “Stronger Together for a Brighter Future,” with participants advocating messages of unity, peace, and solidarity — principles regarded as essential for the region’s ongoing integration efforts.
Addressing the crowd, Ambassador DIONGUE reaffirmed ECOWAS’ dedication to a people-centred regional bloc. “This march symbolises our collective commitment to an ECOWAS of peoples — united and resilient. In these challenging times, we must amplify our voice on the global stage, protect regional interests, and accelerate integration policies to build a prosperous future for West Africans,” he said.
The event concluded with goodwill messages from Ambassador Francis OKE, the UN Resident Coordinator, and other dignitaries, all underscoring that solidarity and unity remain the bedrock of West African political and economic integration. The morning’s activities ended on a convivial note, with refreshments and a commemorative group photograph.
