The ECOWAS Commission, represented by its Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, organized hybrid sessions aimed at enhancing the national early warning and response mechanisms in The Gambia and Liberia. The sessions took place between March 25-28, 2025, focusing on the ECOWAS Protection and Human Security Integrated Coordination Mechanisms (ECOPHISM).
These sessions assessed the implementation progress of the ECOPHISM with the National Centers for the Coordination of Response Mechanisms (NCCRM) in the two countries. Attendees included directors and staff from various national and ECOWAS offices, along with representatives from several national stakeholder organizations.
Dr. Sintiki Tarfa Ugbe, through Mr. Olatunde Olayemi, acknowledged The Gambia and Liberia's progress in operationalizing their early warning centers, calling them models in the region. Amb. Miatta French, ECOWAS Resident Representative in The Gambia, praised the initiative and urged continued commitment. Amb. Josephine Nkrumah's office, represented by Dr. Nathaniel Walker, affirmed their dedication to ensuring NCCRM Liberia fulfills its mandate.
Directors Binta Singhateh of The Gambia and Arthur Bestman of Liberia applauded the organization of these meetings. They emphasized addressing severe risks such as child abuse, human trafficking, and sexual and gender-based violence within the countries through international humanitarian law.
The sessions followed up on the execution of National Roadmaps and the use of the ECOWAS Grant of 25,000 USD per country. Both nations reported progress in acquiring equipment, hiring consultants, and advancing national validation meetings. Emphasis was placed on exploring protection and human security concepts and strengthening collaboration among state agencies, civil society, and the private sector.
Participants concluded that these sessions were vital for reinforcing regional responses, committing to improving human security and protecting vulnerable groups within society.
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