This is the first time that the Philippines has an accredited permanent representative to the ECOWAS since its establishment under the Treaty of Lagos in May 1975
PASAY, Philippines, June 17, 2025/APO Group/ --
The Philippine Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Nigeria Mr. Mersole J. Mellejor presented his Letter of Credence signed by the Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo, designating him as Philippine Permanent Representative to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, in a ceremony held at the ECOWAS Secretariat in the Nigerian capital Abuja on 16 June 2025.
This is the first time that the Philippines has an accredited permanent representative to the ECOWAS since its establishment under the Treaty of Lagos in May 1975.
While the Philippines is not an ECOWAS member, having a permanent representative is a welcome development allowing attendance in ECOWAS meetings/activities, which offer good networking opportunities and more visibility for the country in line with its thrust for a more focused engagement with Africa.
ECOWAS was formed in 1975 originally by 15 countries in Western Africa: namely Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sénégal and Togo. Cabo Verde joined in 1977. Mauritania withdrew in December 2000 but subsequently signed an associate-membership agreement in August 2017. Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger withdrew on 29 January 2025 following the establishment of military rule in these countries, which is deemed contrary to ECOWAS principles. At present, ECOWAS has 12 members.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines.
it appears that not even the government of the make believe nation of "somaliland" disagrees with the foriegn minsters disgraceful dicision to refuse the invitation of the congressman. apparently his plan has back fired like all the other plots of the seccesionists.
Iam writting to express my displeasure about your progress for the last four years. Nowadays what I watch TV's and read Jounals is a sadness and misery.
Your sessions delayed in two times due to the lack of inadequate of MPs.
What you have done will be painted in the minds of those who ready to take the responsibility of this young nation as their future ambitions.
Calling foreign minister for questioning is a step in the right direction.
Farhan (oday),
Hargeisa, Somaliland
I actually side with our foreign minister for not participating in the meeting. As Somalilanders we should only participate in meetings when they are on acceptable terms to us.
Failing to differentiate between us and the chaotic parts of Somalia only proved that Mr. Payne is not worthy of reconciliating between his own children let alone an entire region.
I know its tough for the people in Somaliland who are stuck here and can't leave as they like but we don't need to beg for recognition. If we fix the country from within they can't simply ignore us forever.
somalilander well said i couldnt have said it better, we should not beg in any case, God be with u all my people.the only one we beg is the all mighty ALLAH.