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Nigeria, ECOWAS States move to tackle Gender Based Violence against children, disabled persons
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
Nigeria and the ECOWAS States have made moves to tackle Gender-Based Violence against children and disabled in the Region.
Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, Ambassador Musa Sani Nuhu, represented by Ambassador Samuel Victor Makwe said this at the opening of the 8th Online Engagement of the Regional Working Group Against Gender – Based Violence and Violence Against Children organized by ECOWAS Commission on 27th February, 2023.
Nuhu reiterated Nigeria commitment towards eradicating violence in the Region.
He encouraged members of the Regional Working Group to remain committed and focused on addressing the social menace of Gender-based Violence and Violence Against Children with special emphasis on the promotion and protection of the rights of disabled persons.
Executive Director of FEWACCI, Mr Aminou Akadiri, pledged commitment of Private Sector towards the eradication of GBV and VAC in the region.
The Working Group, deliberated on possible areas of collaboration around programmes of the Division of Human Security and Civil Society in the Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, with a protection focus, including the establishment of an ECOWAS Child Rights Information System (ECRIMS), the collaboration of information about National level GBV/VAC Coalitions.
Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, ECOWAS Commission, Dr Sintiki Tarfa Ugbe, represented by Mr Olatunde Olayemi, Programme Officer – Social Dimension of Human Trafficking appreciated the Working Group and disclosed that the strategy of the Directorate through the Human Security and Civil Society division is focused on the protection of women, children, victims of trafficking , internally displaced persons and the most vulnerable during and after emergency situations.
According to Ugbe, this is achieved through the deployment of the various tools developed by the Commission.
He stated that the Eight meeting would focus on building on already existing initiatives of the Network and would further integrate approaches and explore the synergy between member organizations of the Network.
The meeting discussed areas of synergy with member organizations on programme such as establishment of a Child Rights Working Group in support of the implementation of VAC programmes by ECOWAS at the regional level.
Daybreak reports that the 8th Online meeting was organized for Regional , CSOs, Non State Actors working against Gender Based Violence against children and disabled persons in the West African Sub Region.
Participants were the Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs (the host), ECOWAS Gender Development Center, OSRSG-VAC, UNFPA-WCAR, UNICEF, CISLAC, Plan International, FEWACCI, IOM, UNOWAS, SOS Children Village (WCNA region), Centre for Women Studies and Intervention, Abuja-Nigeria.
March 3, 2023
NigeriaDecides2023: ECOWAS calls on political parties, candidates not to undermine Nigeria’s progressive democracy
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Heads of the Election Observation Mission of the ECOWAS Commission and the African Union, AU have have urged all political parties and their candidates not to undermine Nigeria’s progressive democracy.
In a joint statement issued on t the pre- election phase of the 25th February general elections, political parties and their candidates were admonished to refrain from flaming embers of tensions, divisiveness and violence that could undermine the progressive democratic progress which Nigeria has garnered over the years.
“We call on political parties and their candidates to to settle electoral disputes through peaceful means and dialogue in accordance with the Law.”
ECOWAS and AU however expressed their confidence and strong commitment the Nigeria Government and it’s citizens to peace , stability and development while reaffirming commitment to accompany the nation in advancing such goals.
March 1, 2023
ECOWAS , INTERPOL collaborate to tackle security challenges in region
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Executive Director of Police Services, Mr. Stephen KAVANAGH, and Ambassador Dr. Abdel-Fatau MUSAH, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the ECOWAS Commission have met to collaborate on security challenges in the region.
Kavangh was on a two day working visit at the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja on January 17, 2023, for an Interpol meeting to strengthen cooperation and to review ongoing activities with ECOWAS and other institutions in Nigeria.
Mr. KAVANAGH was accompanied by Mr. Theos BADEGE, Assistant Director IT Services, Richard GOTWE, Head of the West Africa Police Information System (WAPIS) Programme, Mohamed Yansaneh, WAPIS Programme Coordinator at the ECOWAS Commission.
He lauded the Commission for its efforts in the fight against cybercrime, counterterrorism, illegal migration in the region and commended the leadership of commissioner Abdel-Fatau in the WAPIS project.
Commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah, noted that 2023 is a year marked by serious security challenges, such as terrorism, trafficking and promised to strengthen cooperation between ECOWAS and INTERPOL.
Musah emphasised the need for INTERPOL to work more closely with GIABA, the ECOWAS body leading the fight against money laundering and financing of terrorism in West Africa.
He also called for a win-win relationship and reciprocity between third parties and ECOWAS in joint efforts to combat transnational organized crime.
Mr. Richard GOTWE, Head of WAPIS Programme, indicated that the WAPIS project is in its operationalization phase at the national level, and more than half of the Member States have the system installed and operational.
He also called for the strengthening of cooperation at the regional level for the full achievement of the project’s objectives.
January 20, 2023
ECOWAS, Germany meet to advance discussions on effect of Climate change in sub-region
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The ECOWAS Commission and the German Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) yesterday met in Abuja, Nigeria to advance research discussions on the effects of Climate change and renewable energy on the West African sub region.
The Head of the Education Unit of Global Change and Climate Research, BMBF, Dr. Karsten Hess led a delegation on a working visit to the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, on January 17, 2023 at the ECOWAS Commission Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria.
The ECOWAS Commission President, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray in his welcome address stated that the issue of climate change is vital for the region as its impact is another source of insecurity.
He added that green transition and renewable energy is also fundamental for the achievement of economic growth and development for ECOWAS Member States.
He thanked BMBF and WASCAL for their educational work on climate change in the region as over 600 students had been enrolled in various programmes.
Meanwhile, Head of Delegation, Dr. Karsten Hass has invited the ECOWAS Commission to participate in the Ministerial Meeting scheduled for February 2023 in Germany to solidify partnerships and harness opportunities in climate change mitigation and green transition.
Dr. Hess led delegation on the visit comprised of the WASCAL Executive Director, Dr. Moumini Savadogo, Head- German Aero Space Centre, WASCAL, Dr. Gabin Ananou, Board Member- WASCAL Nigeria, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba and others.
The delegation praised the long-term relationship between Germany and the ECOWAS Commission and ppromised to strengthen collaboration in the areas of climate change, green transition and renewable energy.
January 19, 2023
Touray accredits new ECOWAS Ambassadors
By Joyce Remi- Babayeju
The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray yesterday 16th January, 2023 at the ECOWAS Commission Headquater in Abuja, Nigeria, accredited new ECOWAS Ambassadors.
The accredited envoys were H.E. Ms. Annika HAHN-ENGLUND, Ambassador of Sweden to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E. Ms. Cristian MUNDUATE, Country Representative UNICEF to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ms Joanna Tarnawska, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Poland to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E. Annett GUNTHER, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E. Wouter PLOMP, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and H.E. Amedi CAMARA, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
President Touray intimated the new Ambassadors with the modus operandi with the envoys and the strategic objectives of the present administration.
He further assured them that ECOWAS will continue to develop and expand areas of partnerships and collaboration with their countries in ensuring shared prosperity for the citizens of the region.
January 17, 2023
ECOWAS deploys 40 Observers to monitor elections in Benin Republic
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has deployed forty observers to monitor the January 8, 2023, Legislative Elections in Benin Republic.
President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Aliue Tourney approved the deployment of forty short-term election observers (STOs) to Benin to support and monitor the entire electoral process.
The observers were deployed today, January 6, 2023, in Cotonou, Republic of Benin to the capitals of the twelve (12) Regions of the country.
The Observers are drawn from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of ECOWAS Member States, Electoral Commissions, the ECOWAS Council of the Wise, the ECOWAS Parliament, the ECOWAS Community Court of justice, Civil Society Organisations, the media, and election experts from the region.
Resident Representative of the President of the ECOWAS Commission to the Republic of Benin, Amb. Amadou Diongue in a briefing explained that ECOWAS electoral support to Member states is a mandate of the Commission on democracy and good governance and the commitment of governments in the region during elections.
Amb. Diongue assured that ECOWAS was backing the observers and charged them on the success as they depart to the field.
Head of the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission to the Legislative Election in Benin, H.E. Raimundo Pereira, stated that the presence of the observers is very significant to the electoral process, adding that their Mission in Benin is to ensure a transparent, peaceful and inclusive election.
January 7, 2023
Nigeria, four ECOWAS member states to jointly expedite Abidjan- Lagos Road Construction
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
ECOWAS member States met in Lomé, to conclude plans on construction of the Abidjan- Lagos corridor Highway road connects Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, Abidjan, and Cote d’ ivoire.
The 6- lane dual carriage Highway road links Nigeria, and other countries in the ECOWAS Sub – region.
The ECOWAS Commission in charge of the Abidjan-Lagos road project organized the 17th Project Ministerial Streeing Committee in Lome, Togo on 9th December 2022 to take stock of implementation progress and expedition and the completion of the road project and inauguration of the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Management Authority (ALCoMA) , a Supranational Entity created by the Project Treaty to construct, manage and operate the Corridor on behalf of the five countries.
The ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy, and Digitalization of the ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Sediko Douka, commended Mr. Pathe Gueye and other Steering Committee members for their consistent dedication to advancing the technical and project preparatory studies for the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway Development Project.
Douka noted that the Road project had suffered delays due to lockdowns and boarder closures during the heights of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
He disclosed that the ECOWAS Management have taken new measures to ensure a reduction of the processing and approval time for procurement and contract.
According to Duoka, the Committee has adopted the dual corridor road project as a key object under inclusive and sustainable development.
While demonstrating the readiness of the Commission to accelerate the project, Commissioner Douka disclosed that together with the African Development Bank and the Consultants, the study schedule has been compressed considering the 31st of December 2024 deadline for the Financing Agreement.
The Project Task Manager of the road Project for the African Development Bank, Mrs. Lydie Ehouman, thanked the ECOWAS Commission for expediting actions to ensure the early completion of the Studies. She assured the Steering Committee of the Banks resolve to help ECOWAS adhere to the new emergency timelines agreed.
Chairman of the Ministerial Steering Committee ,Nigeria’s Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, acknowledged the unity and togetherness among the Heads of State to jointly implement the Corridor Highway project as a single unit over the earlier individualistic approach of each country concentrating on their sections.
Fashola urged the Steering Committee to keep the spirit of togetherness and trust yamong each other, which is key to the success of this novel cross-border highway project.
December 13, 2022
ECOWAS Heads of State converge in Abuja to hold Sixty-Second Ordinary Session
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
Heads of State and governments of ECOWAS today December 4, 2022 hold the Sixty-Second Ordinary Session in Abuja, the Nigerian capital.
In a statement, the Session of the Heads of State will perform a Foundation Laying Ceremony of the New ECOWAS Headquarters building funded by the Chinese Government.
The Heads of State will be considering reports from the Council of Ministers meeting, which held from December 01 to 02, 2022, in Abuja and other issues affecting the region during their session.
December 4, 2022
Experts in Extractive Sector review local Petroleum, Mining Laws in ECOWAS Region
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
Experts in the Extractive Sector have reviewed local Laws guiding the Petroleum and Mining Sectors in the Sub Region.
The joint meeting of National Mining and Hydrocarbons Experts from ECOWAS Member States held in Dakar, Senegal, November 23rd and 24th November 2022 .
Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy & Digitalization of the ECOWAS Commission, Sédiko Douka, said that the Community Texts under review was developed with the objective of harmonizing and coordinating Member States policies and programmes in the fields of Energy and Natural resources as enjoin by Article 28 and 31 of the ECOWAS Revised Treaty.
Douka indicated that these Texts will contribute to a well-organized, minimally varied, optimally developed and mainstreamed geo-extractives sector in general, and an integrated, effective and efficient energy sector.
Mr. Ibrahima Gueye, Secretary General of the Ministry of Mines and Geology, of the Republic of Senegal, representing the Minister of Mines and Geology and the Minister of Petroleum and Energy expressed his gratitude to ECOWAS for the choice of Senegal to host the regional meeting, while stressing his full commitment to support regional actions for the development of the geo-extractive sector in the region.
“ECOWAS region is richly endowed with mining and petroleum resources, often world-class, but remains poor of its natural resources”, Gueye said.
According to him, rational and efficient exploitation of the natural resources remains the best way to get out of these resources.
Community texts reviewed during the two – day meeting include the Draft ECOWAS Regional Petroleum Code, Draft ECOWAS Model Regulation on Artisanal Mining and Small-scale Mining and its Implementation Strategy, Draft ECOWAS Charter on Gender Mainstreaming in the Geo-extractive Sector, and Draft Regional Study Report on ECOWAS Strategic Minerals Feedstocks and Inputs Development Strategy.
November 27, 2022
2023 Elections: ECOWAS to adopt dialogue, mediation as tools to checkmate Election disputes and violence in Nigeria
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
In the wake of elections in Nigeria , the Directorate of Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the ECOWAS Commission would commence training and interactive workshops on dialogue, and mediation for political actors and stakeholders on the 22nd of November 2022 in Lagos, Nigeria.
The workshop is part of its strategic and operational support for the country’s peaceful 2023 General Elections, and a follow up to the ECOWAS’ October 23rd-November 12th, 2022 Pre-election Fact-Finding Mission to Nigeria which among others, assessed the level of preparation by relevant stakeholders for the forthcoming general elections while mapping out areas of potential support by ECOWAS.
The workshop series, would hold in some selected states across the six geo-political zones of the country, targets the leadership of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) among others and is aimed at strengthening their capacity to prevent and mitigate potential pre- and post-election-related disputes and violence, in order to ensure peaceful electoral outcomes.
According to the Commission, the Workshop is being held against the backdrop that electoral contestations have become a major source of conflicts in West Africa, with potentials for violence, triggered or heightened by the high premium on political power and political discourse.
The workshops will create opportunities for stakeholders to understand better, the ECOWAS normative principles and frameworks for democracy and good governance, sustain and enhance ECOWAS’ strategic engagement with the political process in Nigeria as well as its commitment and determination to promote dialogue and mediation in resolving electoral disputes and conflicts.
It would be recalled that similar workshops were organized in the lead-up to the 2019 general elections in Nigeria and around the electoral processes of a number of other Member States.
The training and interactive workshops are being supported with funding from the Government of the Kingdom of Denmark under the DANISH Africa Programme for Peace.
November 19, 2022