ECOWAS enhances field monitors' capabilities with new equipment

On Friday, August 9, 2024, the ECOWAS Early Warning Directorate provided working equipment to the Country Monitors of the ECOWAS Early Warning System (ECOWARN) in Togo. The handover ceremony occurred at the headquarters of the Togolese branch of the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP-TOGO) in Lomé. The equipment was handed over by Mr. Marcel Komi Koko Bossou, Acting Head of Systems Management and Planning Division, on behalf of ECOWAS, in the presence of Mr. Seyram Adiakpo, National Coordinator of WANEP-TOGO.

During the ceremony, speeches highlighted the importance of data collection and early warning in West Africa’s evolving security context. These data are essential for producing security reports that inform decision-making and rapid intervention by ECOWAS bodies in conflict situations and human insecurity risks within the region.

Mr. Bossou urged the Country Monitors to intensify efforts to ensure relevance and quality in their report preparation and submission.

The kit officially handed over includes an HP Probook 440 G10 laptop and a Galaxy S23 Ultra smartphone, expected to enhance the operational capacities of Country Monitors for real-time submission of early warning reports.

The Country Monitors expressed gratitude to President H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray and Vice-President H.E. Mme Damtien Larbli Tchitchinbidja for these tools supporting effective data production. They pledged optimal use of this equipment to improve report quality and promptness, contributing more effectively to crisis prevention and management in the region.

ECOWARN is a system established by ECOWAS to provide regional decision-makers with relevant information on incidents, peace and security trends, and intervention options. It is operated by various actors, including ninety-two Country Monitors across ECOWAS Member States.

This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the ECOWARN system—a key component of ECOWAS's conflict prevention, management, and resolution mechanism—demonstrating commitment to equipping Country Monitors for better monitoring and early warning services.

On Saturday, August 3, 2024, in Cotonou, Mr. Marcel Bossou handed over similar equipment to Country Monitors in Benin. This program will continue across all member states until September 2024 with financial support from the African Union’s APSA project.