Nigerian CSO Accuses ECOWAS Commission President of Threatening Regional Stability
A bold accusation has been made by a Nigerian civil society organization, Make A Difference Initiative (MADI), against the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray. MADI claims that his alleged high-handedness is a threat to the stability of the entire region and the diplomatic ties between Nigeria and The Gambia.
The Accusation:
MADI, in a statement from Abuja, pointed out specific actions by Dr. Touray against Nigerian Commissioner Professor Nazifi Abdullahi Darma, which they believe violate the ECOWAS Treaty. The organization called for urgent action from the Gambian government to rectify the situation.
Professor Darma, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Internal Services, has taken his case to the ECOWAS Court of Justice. He challenges a memo issued by Dr. Touray on October 30, 2025, which revoked all delegated powers granted to him and accused him of insubordination. MADI argues that this action was taken without the necessary involvement of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, the body responsible for disciplining Commissioners as outlined in the 2006 Supplementary Protocol.
Controversial Actions:
But here's where it gets controversial. MADI further alleges that Dr. Touray attempted to assign Commissioner-level duties to his personal appointee from The Gambia. This, they claim, would give The Gambia two Commissionership slots, undermining the principle of equitable representation.
The group highlights a decision made by the ECOWAS Council of Ministers in Accra, April 2025, to redistribute the portfolio of a departed Commissioner from the Alliance of Sahel States among serving Commissioners through consultation. However, MADI claims that Dr. Touray ignored this directive and acted unilaterally.
Diplomatic Fallout:
MADI warns that these actions could have serious diplomatic repercussions for The Gambia. They argue that the President's alleged favoritism towards personal associates from his home country may portray The Gambia as benefiting from institutional impropriety, which is unfair to the Gambian people and could strain their relationship with Nigeria.
Power Dynamics:
The organization also draws attention to the concentration of power within the Commission. They note that the Director of the Cabinet, Mr. Abdou Kolley, a Gambian national appointed during Dr. Touray's tenure, holds significant influence over the President's agenda, Commissioner coordination, and internal decision-making. With both the President and his powerful aide from The Gambia, the group suggests a potential imbalance in the Commission's institutional equilibrium.
Nigeria's Role:
MADI emphasizes Nigeria's crucial role in ECOWAS, contributing approximately 90% of the organization's financial and logistical resources. They argue that any actions that undermine Nigerian representation within the Commission could create unnecessary diplomatic tension.
Call for Action:
In a strongly-worded statement, MADI urges the Gambian government to take decisive action, including the possibility of recalling Dr. Touray, to protect its reputation, maintain goodwill, and uphold the integrity of the regional body.
Broader Concerns:
The group also raises broader governance issues within ECOWAS, such as recruitment controversies and a sense of discontent among staff. With the recent withdrawal of several member states and Guinea's military transition, MADI warns that ECOWAS is facing significant internal and external challenges.
The Upcoming Debate:
This dispute is expected to take center stage at the upcoming statutory meetings of the regional body, including the Mediation and Security Council meeting and the Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers. Diplomats anticipate that the controversy surrounding Dr. Touray's actions will be a key discussion point during these deliberations.
Six Demands for Reform:
To address the situation, MADI proposes six urgent actions: reversing the memo issued to Professor Darma, restoring his delegated authority, convening an emergency meeting of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, ensuring non-interference in court proceedings, reviewing governance practices, and direct diplomatic intervention by The Gambia.
Dr. Augustine Eigbe, representing MADI, emphasizes that these allegations, if true, undermine the credibility of the ECOWAS Commission. He states, "ECOWAS cannot promote stability in West Africa while disregarding it within its leadership." MADI declares that this issue must be resolved with transparency, legality, and urgency to prevent diplomatic strain between The Gambia and Nigeria.
And this is the part most people miss: how will ECOWAS navigate these controversies while maintaining its regional leadership role? The upcoming meetings will likely be a crucial test of the organization's ability to address internal challenges and preserve its integrity. What do you think? Is MADI's call for action justified, or is there more to the story? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
