The Sub-Regional Water Resources Consultation Council (CRCRE) held its first extraordinary session in Dakar on July 10 and 11, 2025. The meeting was organized under the Permanent Coordination and Monitoring Framework (CPCS) for Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in West Africa.
Attendees included IWRM focal points from ECOWAS and UEMOA member states, representatives from basin organizations, local authorities, civil society groups, technical and financial partners, as well as sub-regional institutions. The agenda covered several key initiatives such as the ECOWAS Special Project on Drinking Water Supply, the West African Regional Water Forum (FREAO), preparations for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, and new training and youth engagement programs in the water sector.
During the session, Dr. Boluwaji Onabolu of FEMinWASH (Nigeria) was elected by acclamation to lead CRCRE for a two-year term. In her remarks she said: “I express my gratitude and call for a collective commitment to revitalise the Council and promote participatory water governance.”
Discussions also addressed ways to increase civil society involvement with an emphasis on youth participation, gender issues, cross-border cooperation, and sustainability.
At the close of the event, Dr. Bakary FATY—representing Senegal’s Minister of Hydraulics and Sanitation—stated: “I praise the quality of the discussions and reaffirmed the commitment of regional stakeholders to work together to address water challenges in West Africa.”