A career diplomat and development expert, Omar Alieu Touray distinguished himself for many years as ambassador and permanent representative of the Gambia to the African Union. Before becoming President of ECOWAS, he spent most of his career representing his country and working within the main African regional organisations, such as ECOWAS and the African Union.
Omar Alieu Touray, a diplomat at the service of regional integration: President of the ECOWAS Commission since 2022, Omar Alieu Touray embodies Gambia’s diplomatic experience and commitment on the African and international stage. Before taking up this key position, he represented his country at the United Nations from 2007 to 2008, after serving as ambassador to Ethiopia and permanent representative to the African Union between 2002 and 2007. His career has been devoted to regional cooperation and international dialogue.
“ Notre continent reste confronté à de nombreux défis. Il faut le dire, ces défis, dépassent largement les capacités de nos pays, pris individuellement, qu’il s’agisse de développement inclusif, de la lutte contre le terrorisme des conflits, communautaires de changement climatique ou encore de droit des femmes et des enfants.”
Omar Alieu Touray, President of ECOWAS Commission – Gambia
With his wealth of diplomatic experience, Omar Alieu Touray actively promotes regional integration and development in West Africa. Reacting to the announcement that Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger would withdraw from the bloc in January 2025, he warned of the consequences of such a decision, warning that splitting the ESA could lead to a ‘disintegration’ of the bloc, with major economic and security costs for the region.
‘In addition to the many threats to peace and security, and the challenges of poverty, our region also faces the risk of disintegration’.
Omar Alieu Touray, President of ECOWAS Commission – Gambia
Alieu Touray, at the head of Ecowas, which is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary on 28 May 2025, is continuing to put in place initiatives aimed at integration, the promotion of youth entrepreneurship and innovation. The African Forum for Research and Innovation (FARI) held recently in Cotonou, Benin, is a perfect illustration of this.
« It is up to us to do everything we can to encourage our young people’s creativity and hope for innovation. It is with this in mind that the theme of this year’s event is: African youth, innovation and entrepreneurship; building a sustainable future. »
Omar Alieu Touray, President of ECOWAS Commission – Gambia
Omar Alieu Touray, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Gambia, is a seasoned diplomat. At 59, he already has a long and rich career in the service of diplomacy and international cooperation.
