Liberia’s head of delegation at ECOWAS, Senator Edwin M. Snowe of Bomi County, has proposed that Liberia express interest in hosting an ECOWAS institution or agency. In a communication dated Thursday, February 27, 2025, Senator Snowe emphasized that Liberia is in a strong position to bid for the hosting of one of ECOWAS’s institutions or agencies, especially in light of the potential benefits from programs and projects that might be stalled due to the withdrawal of certain member states.
He said it is important to note that military authorities in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have announced their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Senator Snowe explained that this withdrawal will lead to the closure of four regional entities in Burkina Faso, two in Mali, and one in Niger. Additionally, it will impact approximately 130 ECOWAS staff members who are citizens of these three countries—77 from Burkina Faso, 23 from Mali, and 32 from Niger.
Among the institutions and agencies that will be affected are the West African Health Organization (WAHO) in Burkina Faso, the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre (EYSDC) also located in Burkina Faso, and the ECOWAS Regional Animal Health Centre in Mali, as well as regional offices in the three withdrawing member states.
Senator Snowe argued that if Liberia were to host an ECOWAS institution or agency, it would generate jobs and significantly contribute to the economic development of the country.
He referred to his earlier communication dated Wednesday, October 9, 2024 (Ref: EMS/LIB-SEN/55372/2024), addressed to Her Excellency Madam Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Minister of Finance and Development Planning, to urge the government to prioritize Liberia’s bid. Furthermore, Senator Snowe noted that in response to his proposal, the Minister of Foreign Affairs informed him on Thursday, October 31, 2024, that the idea of hosting has already been introduced to ECOWAS informally. However, Liberia cannot proceed with an official bid until the ongoing negotiations between ECOWAS and the three withdrawing countries are concluded.
Senator Snowe acknowledged that there are ongoing discussions between some member states and the ECOWAS Commission regarding the hosting of these institutions, with some negotiations already at advanced stages.
In light of this, Senator Snowe respectfully requested that the Plenary mandate the Committees on Foreign Affairs and Ways, Means & Finance to collaborate with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Finance & Development Planning to facilitate Liberia’s bid to host one or more of these ECOWAS institutions or agencies. This would help provide jobs for Liberians and contribute to the country’s economic development.
By Tonita N. Copson
