By Omar Mboob, Coordinator, Gambia for a World BEYOND War Chapter, June 24, 2025
From June 18th to 20th, 2025, I had the privilege to attend a historic regional dialogue in Dakar, Senegal, hosted by the AfrikaJom Center to mark the 50th anniversary of The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The event convened former heads of state, civil society actors, scholars and youth leaders to reflect on the regional bloc’s journey and reimagine a people-centered ECOWAS for the future.
The regional dialogue began with reflections on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a lever for regional integration. In particular, I was moved by the intervention of Mr. Amath Ndiaye from Cheikh Anta Diop University, who highlighted how AfCFTA can catalyze intra-African trade, reduce dependency on foreign powers, and promote inclusive development. His message resonated with our mission at WBW in the region: a peaceful future is the one where economies are built on cooperation, not competition; on mutual growth, not militarized rivalry. Through trade, education and youth empowerment, we can address the root causes of conflict.
One of the key moments was the youth-led closing concert, a vibrant celebration of 50 years of ECOWAS through music, poetry and dance. It reminded us that the struggle for peace is not only political or intellectual but is cultural and emotional. Art, like activism, has the power to unite, to heal and to inspire.
A vision for a people-centered ECOWAS
Under the theme “Reimagining ECOWAS for the People”, this 50th anniversary forum became a space of bold ideas and collective aspiration. Topics ranged from democratic governance and regional security to digital sovereignty and youth leadership. A common thread ran through it all: young people are not passive beneficiaries, but essential partners in shaping the future of West Africa.
As The Gambia Coordinator of World BEYOND War (WBW), I was honored to represent both my country and our global movement for peace. I was joined by my sister in solidarity, Suzanne Diouf, Coordinator of WBW, Senegal Chapter. Our joint presence was a symbol of cross-border unity and growing collaboration between WBW chapters in West Africa. Together, we are building a movement that transcends borders, rooted in our shared belief that war is not inevitable and that a just and peaceful world is possible. In this context, World BEYOND War’s advocacy for demilitarization and investment in human security found deep echoes. Across the region, youth are demanding not more weapons but more opportunity, more education, more dignity and more spaces to speak.
The presence of WBW Senegal and WBW Gambia chapters at the forum was not only symbolic, but it was also strategic. Together, we shared our experiences as peace activists, discussed grassroots approaches to conflict prevention, and explored future joint actions across the region. From The Gambia to Senegal and beyond, we are laying the foundation for a regional youth peace network committed to nonviolence, disarmament and solidarity.
Moving forward together
As I return to The Gambia, I bring with me not only ideas and contacts but also renewed energy and conviction. I am more committed than ever to the mission of World BEYOND War: to end all wars and build a world where peace is not the exception but the norm. To Suzanne Diouf and our Senegalese family, I extend my deepest gratitude. To the AfrikaJom Center, I say thank you for holding space for youth voices. And to all WBW chapters across Africa, I say that this is our moment to organize and to transform. The future of ECOWAS and so the future of Africa, must be peaceful and youth-led. Let us build it, together.
One Response
Inspiring, thank you.