Nigerian CSO Accuses ECOWAS Commission President of Threatening Regional Stability
A bold accusation has been made against the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, by a Nigerian civil society organization, Make A Difference Initiative (MADI). They claim his high-handedness endangers the stability of the entire regional body and the diplomatic ties between Nigeria and The Gambia.
The Allegations Unveiled:
MADI's statement, released in Abuja, focuses on Dr. Touray's actions towards Professor Nazifi Abdullahi Darma, a Nigerian Commissioner. They argue that Dr. Touray's decision to revoke all powers delegated to Professor Darma on October 30, 2025, is a blatant violation of the ECOWAS Treaty. This move, they say, was made without consulting the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, the sole body authorized to discipline Commissioners under the 2006 Supplementary Protocol.
But here's where it gets controversial: MADI also claims that Dr. Touray attempted to assign Commissioner-level duties to his personal appointee from The Gambia, potentially giving his home country an unfair advantage in representation.
The Call for Action:
MADI demands urgent intervention, urging the Gambian government to recall Dr. Touray if necessary to protect its reputation and maintain regional integrity. They highlight the importance of Nigeria's role in ECOWAS, contributing almost 90% of the organization's resources, and warn that any perceived undermining of Nigerian representation could lead to diplomatic tension.
The Broader Context:
This controversy comes amidst broader governance concerns within ECOWAS, including recruitment issues and a sense of discontent among staff. With several member states undergoing political transitions, the organization is under immense pressure. MADI emphasizes that ECOWAS cannot demand constitutional order from member states while allegedly disregarding it within its leadership.
The Upcoming Showdown:
The dispute is set to take center stage at upcoming statutory meetings, including the 55th Meeting of the Mediation and Security Council and the 95th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers. Diplomats predict that the controversy surrounding Dr. Touray's actions will be a hot topic for discussion.
Six Demands for Reform:
MADI proposes six urgent actions to salvage the situation: reversing the memo issued to Professor Darma, restoring his authority, convening an emergency meeting, ensuring non-interference in court proceedings, reviewing governance practices, and direct diplomatic intervention by The Gambia.
This situation raises questions about the delicate balance of power within regional organizations. Should individual leaders be held accountable for their actions, even if it risks diplomatic fallout? Is it fair to demand transparency and adherence to protocol from member states while potentially ignoring it at the leadership level? Share your thoughts below, and let's explore these complex issues together.
