Ambassador Dr. Ezekiel Nibigira presents the review and perspectives of the ECCAS Commission

Libreville, 12 January 2026 ( Gabonese Republic) – The President of the Commission of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), Ambassador Ezekiel Nibigira, received, on Monday 12 January 2026 in Libreville, the Ambassadors of the Member States accredited to the institution. On that occasion, he presented the Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREP) with the results of his first four months of office and the main perspectives of the Commission.

COREP, an institutional pillar of ECCAS

In his address to COREP, the Chairman of the Commission recalled the central role of this body in the institutional architecture of ECCAS. As a body for consultation, guidance and monitoring, COREP has a strategic role in the implementation and follow-up of Community decisions.
It was in a spirit of accountability, transparency and accountability that Ambassador Ezekiel Nibigira reported on the actions that had taken place since he took office in September 2025, while setting out the main directions ahead.

Four months devoted to reorganization and listening

The first months of the mandate were mainly devoted to listening, analysing and laying the foundations for a more structured and effective action. To that end, the Chairman of the Commission indicated that he had cancelled certain measures taken in haste by his predecessor on the eve of the end of his mandate.
Working committees have been set up to assess the functioning of the services and to identify organisational deficiencies. In addition, regular working sessions with the relevant directorates and departments identified immediate priorities and removed several bottlenecks.

Renewed cooperation with partners

Particular emphasis was also placed on strengthening relations with technical and financial partners. The President of the Commission welcomed the relaunch of several projects whose funding had been suspended or cancelled, while stressing that new investment proposals continue to be submitted to the Commission.

Towards the appointment of Commissioners

With regard to institutional functioning, efforts have been made to speed up the process of recruiting Commissioners. The latter are expected to be appointed at the end of the Council of Ministers scheduled for 16 January 2026 and the Summit of Heads of State and Government scheduled for 24 January 2026.

Peace and security, a strategic priority

Peace and security have been reaffirmed as strategic priorities for the Commission's action, in a regional context marked by persistent security challenges requiring a concerted and effective response.

Perspectives and guidelines for 2026

For the coming months, several major actions are planned. A retreat of the College of Commissioners, extended to other senior Commission officials, is envisaged in February 2026 in order to lay the foundations for results-oriented collegial governance.

In March 2026, Kinshasa will host a meeting of the Committee of Wise Men and a meeting with representatives and heads of liaison offices. The President of the Commission also plans to hold a meeting with COREP at least once every three months.

Finally, a circular mission is planned in March to mobilise Member States for the payment of the Community Integration Contribution (CIC), Community contributions and arrears.

Through this meeting with the Permanent Representatives, Ambassador Ezekiel Nibigira intends to create a new dynamic of governance within ECCAS, based on consultation, accountability and effectiveness, in the service of integration and stability in Central Africa.