Introduction to ECOWAS and the Call for an Indigenous Language
Citizens of West African countries have called on ECOWAS to introduce an indigenous language from one of its member states as an official language, in addition to English, French, and Portuguese. Bishir Dauda, a Pan-Africanist who is travelling across West Africa to celebrate ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary, spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) from Accra, Ghana. Dauda said that citizens of the community made the request during his interactions with them at various fora throughout his advocacy and solidarity journey.
Background on ECOWAS
ECOWAS, founded on May 28, 1975, to foster subregional economic integration and political unity, will be celebrating its 50th anniversary on May 28. The activist had, in an interview with NAN before embarking on the marathon trip on April 1, stated that the 50-day journey was his own unique way of celebrating ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary.
The Call for an Indigenous Language
“In the course of this trip, I have been interacting with many people in different West African countries, seeking their views about ECOWAS. One of the key takeaways from my interactive sessions is the community citizens’ clarion call on ECOWAS to make an indigenous West African language one of its official languages. Many people I spoke to specifically recommended the Hausa Language, which is spoken widely in West and Central Africa,” he said.
The Desire for a More Inclusive ECOWAS
Dauda said that the citizens were aware that ECOWAS had already been transformed from a mere international organisation to an ‘ECOWAS of Peoples’, which should go beyond rhetoric. He said that the people wanted all ECOWAS policies and programmes to be more directly derived from the people, while ECOWAS should be seen as interacting directly with the grassroots. “This will help in countering the prevailing notion that ECOWAS is just an intergovernmental organisation representing the interests of the elites in government,” he said.
Conclusion
The call for an indigenous language to be adopted as an official language of ECOWAS highlights the desire of West African citizens for a more inclusive and representative organisation. As ECOWAS celebrates its 50th anniversary, it is essential to consider the voices and aspirations of its citizens, including the adoption of an indigenous language that reflects the region’s cultural diversity.
FAQs
- What is ECOWAS, and when was it founded?
ECOWAS is a regional economic community founded on May 28, 1975, to foster subregional economic integration and political unity in West Africa. - What are the current official languages of ECOWAS?
The current official languages of ECOWAS are English, French, and Portuguese. - Which indigenous language has been recommended as an additional official language?
Many people have recommended the Hausa Language, which is spoken widely in West and Central Africa, as an additional official language of ECOWAS. - Why do citizens want an indigenous language to be adopted as an official language?
Citizens want an indigenous language to be adopted as an official language to make ECOWAS more inclusive and representative of the region’s cultural diversity.
