The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is currently grappling with several significant challenges impacting its security and stability. These include terrorism, disruptions to democratic processes, issues affecting the youth, and the negative effects of armed conflicts in Libya, Sudan, and Ukraine.
This was the main message conveyed by Dr. Abdel-Fatau Musah, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the ECOWAS Commission. He addressed these concerns on December 3, 2024, in Abuja, Nigeria during the opening of the 41st session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council at an ambassadorial level.
Representing Dr. Oumar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Musah praised the efforts made by both the Community and its Member States to ensure regional peace and prosperity for all.
While acknowledging that ECOWAS is at a critical juncture, he pointed out successful peaceful elections in several Member States such as Liberia, Togo, and Senegal. He also mentioned Ghana's upcoming presidential and legislative elections scheduled for December 7, 2024. “The positive electoral processes in our region are achievements we must safeguard,” he noted.
Dr. Musah shifted focus to emphasize a compassionate approach toward addressing youth needs in West Africa. “We must find solutions to the challenges faced by young people within the community ensuring they are not recruited by forces of evil,” he stressed.
He called on ECOWAS Member State Ambassadors to propose constructive recommendations that will be considered at a ministerial level.
Musa Sani Nuhu, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to ECOWAS and Chairman of both the Permanent Representatives Committee and Mediation and Security Council at an ambassadorial level echoed this concern. “I encourage you to approach the issues that will be presented to us with openness and engage in meaningful debate in order to make relevant recommendations to our ministers,” he stated.
The agenda for this session covers various topics related to political security and humanitarian situations within West Africa. The creation of national early warning response centers and a Special Court for The Gambia aimed at prosecuting those responsible for gross human rights violations are included on this agenda.
Additionally presentations on initiatives like Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) will be delivered while updates regarding establishment status concerning Economic Social Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) will also take place.
The session aims at examining draft agendas alongside work programs prepared ahead before convening their next meeting i.e.,53rd Mediation Security Council Ministerial Level gathering which remains crucial when it comes down conflict prevention resolution strategies across regional levels where these ambassadorial sessions serve preparatory roles prior making policy-related decisions maintaining overall peace stability amongst community members involved actively therein throughout proceedings accordingly undertaken thereof...
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