The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, has congratulated the government and people of Benin on the country’s 66th independence anniversary and reaffirmed the regional bloc’s commitment to West African unity.

Touray described Benin as an important contributor to regional integration, democratic governance and peace. He praised the resilience and patriotism of its people and pledged continued cooperation in security, economic development and sustainable growth.

He said stronger solidarity among member states remained essential to addressing insecurity, expanding trade and improving citizens’ welfare.

The message carries additional significance as Touray approaches the end of his tenure as President of the ECOWAS Commission. It serves as one of his final symbolic reaffirmations of the partnership between the regional organisation and one of its founding members.

The Commission said Benin had remained active in strengthening regional institutions, promoting democratic values and supporting the free movement of people, goods and services.

ECOWAS renewed its commitment to working with Benin to build a more integrated, peaceful and prosperous West Africa at a time when the bloc is confronting political, economic and security pressures across the region.