By Emmanuel Nduka
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced the relocation of several of its key institutions and agencies currently based in Burkina Faso and Mali.
The decision, taken at the 67th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government held in Abuja on Monday, follows the formal withdrawal of the three countries from the regional bloc.
According to the final communiqué issued at the end of the summit:
“The Authority recalls that as a result of the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from the Community, the following institutions and agencies will be relocated:
a. West African Health Organisation (WAHO) – located in Burkina Faso
b. ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre (EYSDC) – located in Burkina Faso
c. Water Resource Management Centre (WRMC)– located in Burkina Faso and;
d. Regional Animal Health Centre (RAHC) – located in Mali”.
To promote equitable geographical distribution of ECOWAS bodies, the leaders approved the reallocation of the affected institutions to countries that currently host none:
“In order to give priority to Member States that currently do not host any ECOWAS Institution or Agency, as a means of promoting geographical balance, inclusivity, and equitable distribution of ECOWAS entities across the region and in line with the preamble of the ECOWAS Regulation C/REG.15/11/09 on the Hosting of Community Institutions and Agencies, the Authority endorses the reallocation of the Community Institutions and Agencies concerned as follows:
a. ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre (EYSDC) to Liberia
b. Water Resource Management Centre (WRMC)– to Guinea
c. Regional Animal Health Centre (RAHC) – to Guinea-Bissau”.
However, a final decision on the relocation of the West African Health Organisation, WAHO, has been postponed:
“The Authority decides to defer decision on WAHO until after further consultation”.
While relocating the institutions, ECOWAS reaffirmed its willingness to maintain dialogue with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, despite their withdrawal from the Community.
Meanwhile, the bloc also noted upcoming leadership changes:
“The Authority notes that the four-year, non-renewable mandate of the following members of the Management of Community Institutions is due to end on 14 July 2026, and that the term of office of two Judges of the Community Court of Justice will end on 31 October 2026:
a. President of the ECOWAS Commission
b. Vice President of the Commission
c. Commissioner for Internal Services
d. Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security
e. Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture
f. Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs
g. Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalisation
h. Auditor General of ECOWAS Institutions
i. Director General, West African Health Organisation (WAHO)
j. Director General, Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA)
k. Five (5) Judges of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice”.
Earlier, Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio was elected Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government for a one-year term, succeeding Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, who received commendation for his leadership.
