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Tag: ECOWAS

ECOWAS award group meets to review nominations for 2022 Jury Excellence Award
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
Members of the ECOWAS Award of Excellence Jury will be meeting in Abuja for five days to review the nominations of excellence and honour individuals from the jury for the year 2022.
The award seeks to recognize excellence and honour individuals or legal entities who, through their activities, initiatives, creativity, and services, which have immensely contributed to the promotion of regional integration, peace, and socio-economic development in the region.
The ECOWAS Excellence Award was first established in 1982, revised in 1992 by community regulation, and in 2017 and adopted by Heads of State and Government in accordance to the criteria and procedures for awarding the ECOWAS Prize of Excellence.
The award consists of three categories which includes Award for Science and Technology, Arts and Literature with 3 sub-categories which are Science and Technology, Arts and Literature; 2- Honorary Award for Eminent Persons; 3—Award for deserving Community citizens who have been self-sacrificing.
Professor Abdoulaye Maga, Director of Education, Science, and Culture of the ECOWAS Commission, represented Professor Fatou Sow Sarr, Commissioner of Human Development and Social Affairs, called on the jury to examine the proposals made into the 3 categories with sincerity of purpose devoid of any sentiments towards their Country citizens.
November 10, 2022
Sahel Security: AU, ECOWAS rub minds on tackling Terrorism
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
As ways of finding solution to the security situation in the Sahel Region of Africa, the High Representative of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray and his counterpart, the African Union Commission, AUC , Representative to Mali and the Sahel met yesterday in Abuja, Nigeria to discuss ways of tackling Terrorism and security issues in the region.
The duo emphasized the need to work together to enhance a Regional Force to fight terrorism and the importance of treating the entire Sahel as part of the Region.
Touray said, “Whatever the Sahel faces affects the entire Region. It is important to treat all the Sahel as part of our Region.”
Also, Sidikou, stressed the need for AU and ECOWAS to work together to fight terrorism and appreciated the important role ECOWAS is playing in bringing peace to the Region.
Daybreak reports that other issues discussed were situations in Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso and the humanitarian situation in the Region.
November 9, 2022
ECOWAS Indigenes drag multinational plantation companies to court over human rights violation
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Indigenous peoples of the ECOWAS sub-region under the auspices of Friends of the Earth, FoE, an Environmental Justice Organization, has dragged some multinational companies operating in the region to the Community Court sitting in Belgium over human rights abuse such as Land grabbing , human , social and environmental violations.
FoE Coordinator Ms Rita Uwaka who led the team to the Court in Belgium, the headquarters of the multinational plantation companies said that it was pertinent that the erring industrial plantation companies to the headquarters in order be dragged to court to get a fair hearing and to compel them to respect the right of the aggrieved people.
Uwaka said, ” It was strategic for us to take the case to Belgium headquarters of the companies and the Seat of EU.
Our demand was to tell you that the operations of your company in Nigeria, Sierra Leone , Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire is causing numerous inconveniences and impoverishing these communities.
“Decisions taken at ECOWAS Commission are respected because these activities is flourishing in different territories , communities where these companies are operating.”
The FOE, Coordinator for Forest and Biodiversity programme of the organization noted that it is their wish that the numerous issues of human rights violation by multinational companies in the sub-region would be given feasibility because the majority of these Communities and territories are affected by the challenges.
Ten cases of human, social and environmental violations associated with agro commodities connected to rubber plantations in South, East , West, and Central Africa with victims in impacted Communities testified on how operations of these companies have impoverished them,set them back and polluted their land, Uwaka stressed.
She explained that the human rights violations perpetrated by these multinational companies most times influence the Judicial systems within their member states to enforce respect for Justice.
Citing an example she said: “we have done so much about oil palm extraction, we have sent it to court at different levels, we were frustrated here in Nigeria, we eventually got victory when we went to The Hague which is the home country of some of these multinational companies.”
We went to the EU Parliament to talk to them to understand the funding that some of these multinationals are receiving from these agro commodities in the sub-region, they are causing harm, and human right abuses in Africa and the sub-region”.
On whether they would consider getting involved in crafting laws that would favor their members in the sub-region, she noted it would be a good step as the concession agreement is not respected in the memorandum of understanding.
Uwaka disclosed an example of industrial plantation company SIAT in Nigeria when they went to field visit two weeks ago and they noticed that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that the Community people drafted for the companies to look at has not been considered.
October 27, 2022
Liberian Elections: ECOWAS, Germany launch talks to foster peace, security, development
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The ECOWAS , the Federal Republic of Germany and other international partners on Friday 21, October launched an 11-month dialogue exercise aimed at fostering peace, security, and development ahead of Liberia elections.
The monthly national dialogues would center on carefully selected topics to be addressed by various international partners.
In a keynote address, H.E. Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Liberia, applauded the concept of the dialogue series as a pathway for consolidating peace in the country.
Kemayah pledged the unwavering support of the Government of Liberia to ensure the conduct of free, fair, transparent, peaceful, credible and inclusive elections while maintaining international standard and best practice.
H.E. Josephine Nkrumah, Resident Representative of the President of ECOWAS Commission in Liberia, reiterated the critical role ECOWAS continues to play in conflict prevention, peace building, and security through various stakeholder engagements, and the implementation of protocols on good governance and security.
“The overarching objective has been to foster political stability, socio-economic development and a realization of the dividends of democratic governance for the ECOWAS Community – that indeed is an ECOWAS of the people – a people centered approach to ECOWAS’s primary objectives.”
She commended the government and the people of Liberia for their cooperation with ECOWAS , adding that it was a true attestation to the strong bond built over a difficult phase of Liberia’s journey towards peace, security, and development.
“It is in the spirit of this bond that we will be sharing our joint experiences, reflections, and views from a regional perspective and contextualized within the Liberian socio-economic and political landscape.” Ambassador Nkrumah disclosed.
His Excellency Dr. Jakob Haselhuber, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany pointed out that as the Liberian Presidential and Parliamentary elections approaches friends of the Liberian people will follow with great interest the developments in the run-up to the elections.
Ambassador Haselhuber said, “we will stand by your side to further strengthen democracy and the rule of law in your beautiful country.”
Professor T. Debey Sayndee Director, Kofi Annan Institute for Conflict Transformation, University of Liberia expressed appreciation to ECOWAS and partners for the bold and laudable step taken by to engage on issues of peace, security, and development for Liberia.
October 27, 2022
World Peace Day: ECOWAS Commission launches symbolic Conflict Prevention Framework
By Joyce Remi- Babayeju
The ECOWAS Commission has launched a Conflict Prevention Framework Document as it join countries around the world to commemorate the 2022 World Peace Day (WPD).
The Commission also used the occasion to pledge greater Commitment to regional peace and security at a ceremony which held in Abuja, Nigeria on the 21st of September 2022.
ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Aliu Touray noted that the ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework (ECPF)’ special documentary highlights the regional bloc’s peace-building strides at the auspicious time when ECOWAS takes stock of and makes projections on its conflict prevention efforts -past, present and future.
Touray who was represented by his Special Adviser, Ambassador Mambury Njie, said, ‘‘achieving true peace entails much more than laying down arms. It requires the building of societies where all members feel that they can flourish. It involves creating a world in which people are treated equally, regardless of their ethnicity, religion and race.”
Touray stated that the ideals of the WPD is in tandem with the ECOWAS Vision 2050 which envisages a fully integrated Community of peoples, living in a peaceful and prosperous region, with strong institutions and respect for fundamental rights and freedom, striving for inclusive and sustainable development.
Also speaking at the occasion, the President of the ECOWAS Community Court, Hon Justice Edward Asante who was represented by the Chief Registrar of the Institution Mr. Tony Anene-Maidoh said, “for a region whose recent history is dominated by wars and political upheavals, community citizens, now have a greater appreciation of the imperative of peace as a critical foundation for constructing our integration edifice.”
In his goodwill message, the United Nations Resident Coordinator for Nigeria represented by Mr. Ronald Kayanja hinted that the theme of this year’s celebration: End Racism. Build Peace”, stressed the need for a united front against all evils in societies and communities, adding ,” instead of fighting one another, let’s come together to fight our common enemy; racism, poverty, climate change.”
After an exultation on the virtues of Peace by the chief host and ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security (CPAPS), Dr. Abdel-Fatau Musa, represented by the Director, Peace-keeping and Regional Security, Dr. Cyriaque Agnekethom, spoke on the importance of peace.
The high point of the event was the symbolic launch of the ECPF special documentary which was done on behalf of the CPAPS by the Head of Division, Mediation and Coordination of Regional Political Affairs (MCRPA) Dr. Onyinye Onwuka.
Daybreak reports that the International Day of Peace was established by the United Nations in 1981 and represents a symbolic globally shared date for humanity to commit to Peace above all differences and to contribute to building a Culture of Peace.
Participants at the ECOWAS WPD commemoration also included Members of the Diplomatic Corps, key regional peace and security actors as well as development partners.
September 21, 2022
ECOWAS, Liberian Government adopt Roadmap to ensure human security in Countries
By Joyce Remi- Babayeju
ECOWAS in a joint effort with the Liberian Government have adopted a Roadmap to guide countries on intervention to strengthen the Protection and Human Security architectures in all ECOWAS Members including Liberia.
The Roadmap was adopted at a 3- Day Workshop Coordination and Capacity Building Workshop for Multi- Stakeholders in Liberia organized by the Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs in the Department of Human Development and Social Affairs.
Participants at the Workshop were Ministries, State Institutions, Agencies, CSOs, the Organized Private Sector , the Media and partners from Gambia, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Togo and Niger.
The Workshop was part of a High Level Government activity, held in Liberia aimed at the development and adoption of a Roadmap; as well as establishment of an ECOWAS Integrated Protection and Human Security Coordination Mechanism (ECO-PHSICM).
The ECOWAS Resident Representative in Liberia, H.E. Josephine Nkrumah, noted that the ECOWAS Protection and Human Security Integrated Coordination Mechanism when established in Liberia will promote the rights of people to live in freedom and promote dignity with equal opportunities to enjoy their rights and develop their human potential.
She therefore called on all Stakeholders to be commitment to the Intervention, adding that this would enhance improved human security.
Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, Dr. Sintiki Tarfa Ugbe, who was represented by Mr. Osondu Ekeh, Project Officer, OCWAR-T Project in the Human Security and Civil Society (HSCS) Division commended the ECOWAS Commission of the efforts at bringing stakeholders together to address human security and protection concerns in the country.
Mr. Ekeh, noted that the intervention is to address the prevailing realities in West Africa such as Human Security and Protection against Human Trafficking, Violence against Children, Irregular Migration, Drug Abuse, Gender Based Violence, Low Level of Social Protection and Access to Justice, Forced Displacement amongst others.
Ekeh added that the expected outcomes of the intervention is substantial improvement in national coordination and capacity to prevent and address vulnerabilities, victimization, and other related risks.
He urged participating countries to ensure that the Rights of Children, Women and other Groups in vulnerable situations are mainstreamed into National Development Planning, Budgeting Process, with adequate resources allocated for a significant improvement in citizens’ protection and human security.
All the Speakers reiterated the commitment of the Government and People of the Republic of Liberia towards the enthronement of protection and human security in Liberia in particular and the region in general.
September 21, 2022
ECOWAS moves to overcome trans boundary animal diseases in region
By Joyce Remi- Babayeju
The ECOWAS Regional Animal Health Center, Network, RAHC, has moved to overcome transboundary animal diseases in the region.
The RAHC and other Stakeholders such as FAO, ECTAD, AU-IBAR, WHO, BROOKE WA) , (European Union, World Bank, African Development Bank, Swiss Cooperation) partners, kick started this move at the 8th Annual meeting of the ECOWAS Regional Animal Health Networks (RAHN) held on Monday , 19th September 2022, at the Vulcano Hotel in Cape Verde.
In a press release issued by the Directorate of Communication of the Commission, the meeting which was hosted by the Cape Verdean Minister for Agriculture and Environment, Dr. Gilberto Silva, and the ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Ms. Massandje Touré-Litsé was to mull over collaborative work to overcome transboundary animal health diseases in the region and to review the status of implementation of the recommendations of the 7th meeting held in 2021 in Côte d’Ivoire.
The RAHC 8th Annual meeting brought together Directors of Veterinary Services, focal points of veterinary laboratories (RESOLOB) and epidemiological surveillance (RESEPI) and leaders of the veterinary orders of all ECOWAS Member States including Mauritania and Chad to deliberate on the status of Animal Health in the region.
The theme for the 2022 edition was
“Horizon 2030: Situation, challenges and prospects for the eradication of Peste des Petits Ruminants and Rabies and the control of Foot and Mouth Disease and Contagious Bovine Peripneumonia, priority animal diseases in the ECOWAS region”,
ECOWAS, through its Regional Agricultural Policy (ECOWAP), said that it is committed to supporting its member countries, through RAHC which has developed important regional strategies and regulations related to the control and prevention of transboundary animal diseases and zoonoses in collaboration with its technical and financial partners.
The host country, Cabo Verde, called on member states to support its efforts for recognition by the World Organisation for Animal Health as a country free of PPR and Foot and Mouth Disease.
September 21, 2022
ECOWAS Commission President Touray promises to ensure peace, security, sustainable development in Sub – Region

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

The ECOWAS Commission new President, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray has promised to ensure that the sub- Region experiences peace, security and sustainable development among others.
Touray made this known at the first Town Hall Meeting organized by the Commission in Abuja was to intimate staff with the vision and mission of the new administration.
He emphasized that the four objectives of his administration include ensuring peace and security in the region, deepening economic and social integration, enabling good governance and leadership, and fostering inclusive and sustainable development.
H explained that for the objectives to be met, there is a need to build strong and capable institution as well as ensure fairness and equity in the management of human and corporate resources.
Meanwhile the ECOWAS Commission President noted that the staff skills audit embarked upon was meant to ensure that the right people with the right skills are given the right position towards achieving staff productivity and growth.
He urged staff to support the institutional reforms and corporate restructuring which will create a virile and sustainable organization that can stand future challenges.
Participants at the Town Hall meeting include the Commissioner, Internal Services, Prof. Nazifi Abdullahi Darma, Commissioner, Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs. Massandje Toure-Litse, Commissioner, Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Amb. Abdel-Fatau Musah, the Auditor-General, Mr. Joao Alage Mamadu Fadia, staff at the ECOWAS Headquarters and others who worked at various ECOWAS Institutions and Agencies across the sub-region.
September 12, 2022
ECOWAS Commission, EBlD Meet to Fine-Tune Mutual Ties in Sub – Region
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
President of ECOWAS Commission Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, and management of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development today in Abuja the Federal Capital of Nigeria had a meeting to fine-tune and strengthen mutual ties in the sub-region.
The meeting which held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja is also to foster collaboration, expand cooperation and explore areas of mutual interest for the prosperity of the people in the ECOWAS region.
The EBID President, Dr. George Agyekum Nana Donkor stated that aim of the his visit was to further assure the new ECOWAS leader of the support of the ECOWAS Bank, adding that it’s inauguration came at a time when the sub- region was facing numerous economic and security challenges but was optimistic that given the diplomatic antecedent of the President the sub-region would soon overcome these challenges.
Donkor noted that although the EBID was formed in 1975 it started operations in 1979 with a mission to support the developmental projects and programmes of Member States.
President of the ECOWAS Commission, Touray appreciated the EBID management for their visit and support for the new administration and disclosed that the new mantra “ECOWAS of the People” was created to deliver shared prosperity for the people of the sub-region.
He promised that it will be achieved through the four core strategies of the new ECOWAS Commission namely poverty reduction, economic integration, good governance and due process.
He added that to achieve these strategies, there is a need to build deep collaboration and strong institutions with the right resources and processes.
He then solicited the support of EBID to make the objectives a reality during his tenure.
Meanwhile the Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission, Madame Damtien Tchinchibidja also welcomed the EBID management and reiterated the commitment of the Commission with the Bank.
The EBID President assured that the bank will focus on the recent achievements in terms of projects and operations across Member States.
The two ECOWAS bodies also discussed other issues bordering on mutual interest such as payment of capital subscription by Member States, interest subsidy funds, status of cyber security grant, status of EU Pillar Implementation, Joint Resource Mobilization Strategy, Revitalization of the Permanent Committee for Studies and Research and Management of ECOWAS Staff Pension Funds.
August 26, 2022
ECOWAS parliament condemns Sierra Leone violence, commends peaceful elections
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament Sidie Mohamed Tunis has condemned strongly the violence in Sierra Leone which caused deaths, wanton destruction of properties and pain in the country
Tunis disclosed this at the delocalized meeting of the joint committee on Political Affairs ,Peace and security and APRM legal affairs and human rights Social affairs ,Gender and women empowerment in Banjul Gambia ,
The theme of the meeting was, ” Community Texts relating to Peace, Security, Democracy and Good Governance: Challenges in their Implementation and the Oversight Role of ECOWAS Parliament”.
Tunis who was represented by the 4th Deputy speaker Adja Satu Camara Pinto called on all sides to adhere to the rule of law, which is the best way to address grievances of every kind.
The speaker said, ”Many democracies are having difficulties globally, in this present day, these failures are often attributed to the lack of trust and accountability. We are seeing regime change and reforms in many parts of the world. In Africa the fragility of our democracies is caused by electoral abuse, ethnic divisions, mismanagement of natural resources, poverty, and economic insecurity. ”
There is a need for political will and action to counter these problems, and these are better achieved through our institutions. It is said that integration is about people. Indeed, it is high time our region derives the benefits, he admonished.
Also the Speaker commended the people of Senegal for successfully conducting a peaceful parliamentary elections on 31st July and congratulated all winners at the polls adding that the parliament look forward to working with the Membership of the new Parliament for the good of the sub region.
The Gambian Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Mamadou Tangara urged member state to collectively act swiftly to address the issues of insecurity and promote peace in the sub region.
Tangara said,”As nations sharing the same destiny, we have a moral obligation and a collective responsibility to act swiftly to address all issues hampering the institutional advancement, the consolidation of peace, security and the empowerment of women who are the driving forces of the Region.
The Gambian Foreign Minister commended the overwhelming response of all partners and people for their faith in a common purpose, a common conviction and a common devotion in consolidating Peace, Security and Good Governance and other community achievements in Senegal.
In his opening remarks ,Speaker of the National Assembly of the The Gambia, Hon Fabakary Tombong Jatta added that, there is need for proactive intervention to curb insecurity on the subregion noting that peace and security is the bed rock on which all development stand.
August 18, 2022