Republic of Benin President Patrice Talon is calling for further regional integration across West Africa despite the current crisis within the economic communities of West African countries (ECOWAS).
Speaking at the West Africa Economic Summit in Abuja on Saturday, President Talon acknowledged the current political and institutional challenges facing ECOWA, but argued that these difficulties are not barriers to progress and that West Africa should not stop pushing the regional integration agenda.
“This summit is timely as our region gathers for integration,” he said. “Ecowas remains a perfect example of regional cooperation, but unfortunately it is in crisis. However, this should not ban us from pursuing further integration.”
At the beginning of the year, Mali, Burkina Faso and the Republic of Niger left the regional bloc and now formed an alliance of the Sahel State (AES) indicating changes in West African integration.
However, Talon emphasized that the path to meaningful integration lies in leadership accountability and the collective will of stakeholders.
“Our main blockage is not the lack of ideas, it's the inability to make them happen. It's the leader's responsibility to turn ideas into reality, from heads of state to ministers and government agencies,” he said.
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Beninese leaders praised Nigerian President Bora Tinubu, who is chairman of Ekowas, for his efforts to unite the region.
However, he emphasized that these efforts must be supported by broader regional and international support.
Talon also pointed out key challenges that hinder regional trade and integration, such as language barriers, border delays and poorly performed infrastructure.
“Despite the large investment, infrastructure like Lagos Abidjan Road still faces obstacles, checkpoints and border harassment. A trip to Abidjan takes a day.
He warned that poverty will continue to hinder the development of the region unless these issues are addressed.
“If we don't remove these lockdowns, our area will remain poor. Without tackling poverty, democracy and integration will remain unattainable,” he added.
