ECOWAS Commission – The Commerce Africa https://thecommerceafrica.com African Reneissance Sun, 24 Jan 2021 20:07:16 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.9 Nigerian Govt Donates US$20m to ECOWAS for Counter Terrorism Operations https://thecommerceafrica.com/nigerian-govt-donates-us20m-to-ecowas-for-counter-terrorism-operations/ https://thecommerceafrica.com/nigerian-govt-donates-us20m-to-ecowas-for-counter-terrorism-operations/#respond Sun, 24 Jan 2021 20:07:14 +0000 http://thecommerceafrica.com/?p=3173 President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the immediate release of $20 million dollars, earlier pledged by Nigeria, to the pool account of the ECOWAS Action Plan to fight terrorism across the sub-region.

The President announced the order during his presentation to the virtual 58th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS, in Abuja, on Saturday.

”We have already directed the immediate remittance of the sum of $20 million pledged by Nigeria to the pool account of the ECOWAS Action Plan to fight terrorism, while the sum of $80 million is to be disbursed for the fight against terrorism in the Northeast and banditry in the Northwest of Nigeria for the year 2020.

”We are also committed to meeting our obligations for the remaining period of the action plan,” Mr Buhari said.

The President also advocated for the restructuring of ECOWAS, saying that the organization needed to streamline its management to adjust to current realities.

”A situation where ECOWAS has 23 statutory appointees, of which 13 are Commissioners for this Commission is totally unsustainable”, the president said in his presentation to the virtual 58th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS, in Abuja, on Saturday.

He stressed that there was need for a lean and compact leadership in ECOWAS, to enhance the efficiency and performance of the organization, adding that the restructuring would eliminate overlap and the tussle between the large statutory appointees, as well as reduce personnel and overhead costs that could be channeled to the execution of projects.

”The African Union, our larger continental organization of 55 members, has pruned down its commissioners to only six, hence, there’s no basis whatsoever, for ECOWAS, with only 15 members, to maintain 13 commissioners and 10 other statutory appointees.

”Accordingly, Nigeria recommends the immediate appointment of a ministerial ad hoc committee to review the proposal of the Maxwells Temp Report and submit a recommendation, at the mid-year summit for our consideration and adoption.

”If, however, some countries are not in favour of this, then each country must sponsor its own statutory appointee as is practiced by other organizations, such as the European Union and other regional organizations”, President Buhari told the meeting.

He added: ”Going by the recommendation of the Maxwells Temp Report, it is envisaged that even with the lean number of statutory appointees, each member country will still have a representative on the management of ECOWAS.

”We believe that this should satisfy our desire to have a sense of belonging in the community’s institutions and also to enhance our spirit of solidarity”.

The Nigerian leader drew attention of the meeting to the fact that at 45, ECOWAS was expected to be an accomplished regional organization, and for that reason, the right and bold decisions to enhance its performance must be taken.

”This is to fulfill the aspirations of its founding fathers and effectively serve the citizens of our community, to consolidate our prime position as the best sub-regional organization in the African continent.” he said.

On the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic ravaging the ECOWAS region, Buhari called on all member states to ensure that they prioritised procurement of the vaccines for their citizens, while increasing efforts to develop vaccines locally, so that member states could build herd immunity against the pandemic.

”Now that vaccines are soon to be available, I call on all member states to ensure that we prioritise the acquisition of the vaccines for our citizens ,while at the same time increasing efforts to develop our own vaccines so that we can build herd immunity against the COVID-19 pandemic in West Africa,” he said.

He also urged the ECOWAS Commission, to work with the West African Health Organisation (WAHO), to assist member states in acquiring the vaccines and storage facilities, ahead of the distribution of the vaccines within the region.

The President said efforts should also be accelerated for the production of rapid diagnostic test kits, of international standards in the region, to be made available to all member states.

”It is important for the region to evolve effective measures and avoid total lockdown at this critical time, that our economies are gradually recovering from the first wave of the pandemic”, he said, adding: ”The economic challenges that our region faces, because of the pandemic, will no doubt manifest this year, 2021.

NAN

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Only God Can Effectively Supervise Nigeria-Niger Border– Buhari https://thecommerceafrica.com/only-god-can-effectively-supervise-nigeria-niger-border-buhari/ https://thecommerceafrica.com/only-god-can-effectively-supervise-nigeria-niger-border-buhari/#respond Tue, 22 Dec 2020 17:20:09 +0000 http://thecommerceafrica.com/?p=2964 Only God can effectively supervise Nigeria’s border with Niger Republic, President Muhammadu Buhari said Tuesday.

The president painted the seemingly hopeless situation in the State House while hosting former Vice-President Namadi Sambo, who chairs ECOWAS Election Mission to Niger Republic.

A statement by the president’s media adviser, Mr. Femi Adesina, said the president applauded Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou, for not attempting to tamper with his country’s constitution to elongate his stay in power after serving for a maximum two terms.

Explaining why the border is difficult to police, the president disclosed that the border is large, spanning 1,400 kilometres in size adding that efforts should be made to stabilise the Sahel region in Nigeria’s interest.

“I come from Daura, few kilometers to Republic of Niger, so I should know a bit about that country. The President is quite decent, and we are regularly in touch. He is sticking to the maximum term prescribed by the Constitution of his country.

“Also, we share more than 1,400 kilometers of border with that country, which can only be effectively supervised by God. I will speak with the President, and offer his country our support. We need to do all we can to help stabilise the Sahel region, which is also in our own interest,” Buhari said.

The statement added that Nigeria would give a robust support to Republic of Niger, at its presidential and National Assembly elections later this month.

It also said Sambo congratulated Buhari on the successful return of abducted students of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, in Katsina State, as well as his 78th birthday, last week.

According to Adesina, Sambo pledged that ECOWAS would ensure peaceful and fair elections in Republic of Niger, despite current political, legal and security issues, adding that meetings were already being held with relevant stakeholders.

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Security, COVID-19 Top Agenda as ECOWAS Leaders Meet Today https://thecommerceafrica.com/security-covid-19-top-agenda-as-ecowas-leaders-meet-today/ https://thecommerceafrica.com/security-covid-19-top-agenda-as-ecowas-leaders-meet-today/#respond Mon, 07 Sep 2020 07:41:32 +0000 http://thecommerceafrica.com/?p=1850 President Muhammadu Buhari will depart Abuja Monday for Niamey, Niger Republic to participate in the Fifty-Seventh Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

The one-day summit will feature deliberation on security and presentation of the Special Report on COVID-19 by Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari who was appointed the ECOWAS Champion on the Fight against COVID-19 during the Extraordinary Virtual Summit of ECOWAS on April 23, 2020, the Presidency announced on Sunday.

As a Champion, the Nigerian leader was expected to coordinate the sub-regional response against the pandemic. In furtherance of that objective, under the supervision of the Champion, Nigerian Ministers of Health, Aviation and Finance were appointed Chairpersons of the Ministerial Coordination Committees on Health; Transport, Logistics and Trade; and Finance respectively.

The Summit will also receive a Special Report on the ECOWAS Single Currency Programme to be presented by President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone and Chair of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ), and President Alassane Ouattara, who is Chair of the West African Economic Monetary Union (WAEMU/UEMOA).

The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Jean Claude Kassi Brou will present to the West African leaders, the 2020 Interim Report on activities of the sub-regional body including ECOWAS Vision 2050.

The alarming rise in incidents of terrorism, insurgency, armed banditry and piracy will also come under focus, while the disruption of the democratic process by the military in Mali, will receive further attention.

Similarly, in Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea and Niger where parliamentary and presidential elections are scheduled for this year, the imperative to strengthen democracy in the sub-region by respecting constitutional provisions, rule of law and outcomes of free and fair polls, will be emphasised.

President Buhari, who will be accompanied to the Summit by ministers and other top government officials, will return to Abuja after the meeting.

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ECOWAS Ministers Seek End to Terrorist Attacks in Sub-region https://thecommerceafrica.com/ecowas-ministers-seek-end-to-terrorist-attacks-in-sub-region/ https://thecommerceafrica.com/ecowas-ministers-seek-end-to-terrorist-attacks-in-sub-region/#respond Sat, 05 Sep 2020 12:16:32 +0000 http://thecommerceafrica.com/?p=1838 The 44th Ordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council has called for special attention to curb the wave of terrorist attacks in the region, especially in Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.

The ECOWAS Ministers also urged the regional body to take necessary steps to ensure smooth conduct of the upcoming presidential polls in five of the member states Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Niger.

The 44th Ordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council at the Ministerial level was presided over by Kalla Ankourao, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Niger who is the Chair of the council.

The meeting which was held on Friday, 4th September 2020 in Niamey, the Republic of Niger was to review the political and security situation in the region, with particular emphasis on the political processes in the Gambia and Guinea Bissau.

Commenting on the electoral challenges ahead, Ankourao urged the ECOWAS body to take the necessary steps for the preparation and smooth conduct of the upcoming presidential elections in Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Niger.

Additionally, the Chair stressed that special attention is paid to the terrorist attacks in the region, particularly in Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria.

On the Gambia, Council was informed by the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security that the political situation in the country is relatively calm and peaceful, but still remains unpredictable due to issues revolving around the constitutional review process, preparations by the Independent Electoral Commission in terms of the electoral process and conduct of the referendum in readiness for the 2021 presidential and parliamentary elections. After a period of frank deliberations, Council recommended that all stakeholders are carried along by the IEC in the ongoing electoral reforms and that the outcomes of the reform processes are implemented scrupulously.

The Council also recommended that the ECOWAS Commission seek an extension for the mandate of ECOMIG, which expired end of June 2020, to enable the forces to monitor the peaceful implementation of the TRRC hearings, as they may generate additional tensions in the country.
On Guinea Bissau, Council recalled that the country was plunged into deeper political and institutional crisis immediately after the announcement of the results of the strongly contested presidential elections, held 24th November and 29th December 2019, in the 1st and 2nd rounds respectively, which saw former Prime Minister Mr. Umaro Sissoco Embalo emerged as a winner with 54 percent of the votes, but was unable to present the Government’s programs to the National assembly as provided for by the constitution due to institutional standoff that persisted at the National Assembly.

Council also urged the authorities of Guinea Bissau to ensure the formation of an inclusive government and participatory processes, with all national stakeholders, in conformity with the provisions of the country’s constitution and admonished the ECOWAS Commission to intensify its support to the new government in its efforts to consolidate the democracy and inclusive reform agenda for a new constitution that may lead to national stability.

Credit: The Nation

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Mali Junta Frees President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita https://thecommerceafrica.com/mali-junta-frees-president-ibrahim-boubacar-keita/ https://thecommerceafrica.com/mali-junta-frees-president-ibrahim-boubacar-keita/#respond Thu, 27 Aug 2020 16:40:50 +0000 http://thecommerceafrica.com/?p=1736 The military mutineers under the aegis National Committee for the Salvation of the People, made this revelation in a post on Facebook, saying Keita has been released and is currently in his residence.

The ousted President of Mali, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, has been released by Mali mutineers, AFP reports. 

The  military mutineers under the aegis National Committee for the Salvation of the People, made this revelation in a post on Facebook, saying Keita has been released and is currently in his residence.

Recall that the military officials, who seized power in Mali, had told ECOWAS delegation that it want a military-led transitional body to rule the country for three years.

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Mali Crisis: ECOWAS Holds Extraordinary Summit Thursday https://thecommerceafrica.com/mali-crisis-ecowas-holds-extraordinary-summit-thursday/ https://thecommerceafrica.com/mali-crisis-ecowas-holds-extraordinary-summit-thursday/#respond Wed, 19 Aug 2020 20:36:58 +0000 http://thecommerceafrica.com/?p=1610 In search of peace in Mali, the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States will Thursday hold an Extraordinary Summit.

The socio-political situation in the country, has been tensed following the military coup on Monday.

The summit would hold virtually through videoconference, according to a statement on Wednesday from the ECOWAS Commission, titled, ‘Heads of State to hold Extraordinary Summit on the socio-political situation in Mali.’

It read, “The Extra-ordinary Summit was convened following the military coup d’etat in the Republic of Mali.

“ECOWAS has strongly condemned the undemocratic change of government as is against the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.

“The Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government has been mediating in the socio-political crises and has held several mediation and peace missions to Mali.”

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ECOWAS Suspends Mali Membership https://thecommerceafrica.com/ecowas-suspends-mali-membership/ https://thecommerceafrica.com/ecowas-suspends-mali-membership/#respond Wed, 19 Aug 2020 08:35:00 +0000 http://thecommerceafrica.com/?p=1599 The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has suspended Mali membership following the arrest of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and Prime Minister Boubou Cisse.

The decision is coming amid jubilation in Mali after soldiers detained the president. ECOWAS in a statement on Tuesday also closed borders of its member states’ with the country.

The statement read in part: “Also all financial flows between its fifteen members and Mali will be suspended.

“Mali is also suspended from its decision-making bodies.

“It called on the ECOWAS commission to impose sanctions on the “putschists and their partners and collaborators.”

Rebel soldiers rounded up senior government and military officers in Kati town and elsewhere.

Thousands of citizens were seen during the arrest cheering the ouster.

Crowds are jubilating at Independence Square in Bamako, Mali, and other places.

For nearly three months, demonstrations demanding Keita’s resignation were held.

Dozens lost their lives, a situation that worsened the crisis.

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ECOWAS, Others Distribute 150 Animals to Vulnerable Households in Nigeria https://thecommerceafrica.com/ecowas-others-distribute-150-animals-to-vulnerable-households-in-nigeria/ https://thecommerceafrica.com/ecowas-others-distribute-150-animals-to-vulnerable-households-in-nigeria/#respond Sun, 09 Aug 2020 11:25:29 +0000 http://thecommerceafrica.com/?p=1434 Economic Committee of West Africa States (ECOWAS) and two other development organisations have distributed 150 animals to vulnerable households in Kebbi State towards making them self sufficient.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  reports that the collaborating NGOs are Regional Agency for Agriculture and Food and the Association for the Promotion of Livestock Breading in the Sahel and Savannah Regional Africa.

NAN also reports that the distribution of 150 animals which was done at Tullun Dabaga Bachaka District comprised of two females and a male to 50 vulnerable households in addition to 500kg of forage seeds.

Delivering a keynote address at Arewa Local Government Secretariat of Kebbi State on Saturday, the President, ECOWAS Commission, Jean-Cluade Brou said the gesture was meant to improve the livelihood of benefiaries.

Brou, who was represented by the Focal Point Officer incharge of Kebbi State, Dr Mohammed Fouad, said: “The aim of the presentation of the sheep kits is to improve the livelihood of the beneficiaries at community level.

“The programme is to ensure that the livestock sector holds the potential to food security and nutrition, wealth creation, improved livelihood and poverty reduction.

“ECOWAS in its context to reduce poverty and ensure food security, has conducted a number of intervention for the benefit of Nigerian population in the framework of projects implementation.

“The Nigeria population has benefited from numerous interventions including the Programme of Support for Food and Nutritional Security in West Africa (PASANAO).

“Others are Social Food Safety Net Project in West Africa, the Livestock and Meat Commercialisation Projects in West Africa, All the Regional Programme Support to Professional Organisation and through the Regional Food Security Reserve.”

He said within the framework of the PASANAO, Nigeria had benefited financially through the “incentivising adoption of climate smart practice in cereals production in Nigeria six states social and economic diagnostics.

“This project is meant to assess the socio-economic impact of the use of climate smart practice (CSP) in maize and rice production and to identify appropriate mechanisms by which the large scale adoption of CSPs can be incentivised to halt/reverse land degradation,

“It also helps to restore ecosystem health, improve livelihood outcomes and build resilience to climate change with rice and maize producers in Nigeria as the main beneficiaries,” he added.

In her remarks, the First Lady of Kebbi, Hajiya Aisha Atiku-Bagudu appreciated ECOWAS as well as the collaborating NGOs for partnering with Government to assist the less-privileged.

The First Lady, who was represented by the Commissioner for Animals Health, Aminu Garba-Dandiga said the vulnerable persons needed more support to enhance peaceful coexistence among them.

She said that about 2,238 Fulanis were being selected for entrepreneural training, adding that they would be given cash and other items for make them self-sufficient in their various communities.

Also speaking, the State Chairman of Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support Project (APPEALS), Dr Usman Shehu, said that the programme which “is the first of its kind is meant to reduce poverty and empower Fulani in their localities.”

“50 vulnerable community members from Tullun Dabaga in Arewa local Government Area of Kebbi State are identified by ECOWAS in allowing the project to be implemented.

“I want to advise the beneficiaries of the project to manage the animals very well so that in the next 15 to 16 months all the sheep will successfully delivery a lamb each.”

Responding, one of the beneficiaries, Malam Mohammadu Mai-Fulani, who also got three sheep, expressed gratitude to the organisers of the programme.

Mai-Fulani gave the assurance that they would make efficient use of the animal for uptimum benefit.

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ECOWAS Leaders Ask Malian Authorities to Form Unity Govt Within 10days https://thecommerceafrica.com/ecowas-leaders-ask-malian-authorities-to-form-unity-govt-within-10days/ https://thecommerceafrica.com/ecowas-leaders-ask-malian-authorities-to-form-unity-govt-within-10days/#respond Tue, 28 Jul 2020 05:30:03 +0000 http://thecommerceafrica.com/?p=1278

Leaders of the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) have called on the constituted authorities in Mali to form a National Unity Government within ten days and in line with the recommendations of the Mediator.

This was one of the resolutions reached by the ECOWAS leaders at the end of their extraordinary meeting held virtually on Monday morning.

The communique was read by Nigeria’s minister of state for foreign affairs, Zubairu Dada.

The West African leaders, however, did not agree with the opposition’s call for the resignation of President Ibrahim Keita. Instead, they demanded the formation of a unity government and called on the opposition to be part of the unity government.

Read the communique from today’s meeting below.

  1. The Heads of States and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held and extraordinary Summit by Visio conference on July 27th 2020. They examined the current socio-political situation in Mali, characterised by demonstrations initiated early June 2020 by a group which includes political parties, civil society organisations and various religious associations. This group is called the June 5 Movement Group of Patriotic Forces (M5-RFP).
  2. This socio-political situation is taking place in a difficult context for Mali, characterised by a serious security threat with recurring terrorist attacks, inter-community tensions in the Central part of the country, a social tension marked by a long strike of school teachers, a health crisis caused by COVID-19 pandemic and its economic and financial consequences.
  3. This current crisis is quite similar to the 2012 one when violent demonstrations led to a military coup on March 22, 2012. It is useful to recall that this 2012 military coup plunged the Republic of Mali into uncertainty and favoured the expansion of terrorist jihadist groups in the country.
  4. In order to avoid the repetition of this situation, an ECOWAS Ministerial Mission was deployed to Bamako from June 18 to 20th by the Chairperson of ECOWAS to help resolve the crisis. The Ministerial Mission established the diagnostic of the crisis, and proposed solutions along with some recommendations. Unfortunately these recommendations were not implemented and demonstrations continued. They were particularly violent on July 10th, 11th and 12th and led to numerous deaths, and casualties, with public and private property destructions.
  5. With the deterioration of the situation, ECOWAS appointed H.E. DR. GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as a Special Envoy to lead a Mediation mission to reduce tension. The Mediator conducted a mission to Bamako from July 15th to 19th 2020 and after meeting all stakeholders, formulated a Roadmap for a way out of the crisis. This roadmap was accepted by most stakeholders with the exception of the Strategic Committee of M5-RFP which maintained its demands, namely: The resignation of the President of the Republic of Mali; The establishment of a transitional regime; The establishment of a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the deaths on July 10th, 11th and 12th, and the release of the Honourable Soumaïla Cissé, head of the Parliamentarian Opposition, abducted during the legislative elections.
    The M5-RFP has also announced that they will resume demonstrations.
  6. To curb this spiral of violence and reach a lasting solution, a Mission of five (5) Heads of State went to Bamako on Thursday 23July 2020. This mission comprised of H.E. Mahamadou IssoUFOU, President of the Republic of Niger, current Chairperson of ECOWAS Authority; H.E. Nana Akufo ADDO, President of the Republic of Ghana; H.E. Alassane OUATTARA, President of the Republic of Cote d’lvoire H.E. Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; H.E. Macky SALL, President of the Republic of Senegal. The Mission met the President of the Republic of Mali, H.E. Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, as well as the main stakeholders such as the M5-RFP Strategic Committee with their Spiritual Leader, the Presidential majority in Parliament, and civil society leaders. The mission indicated to all the stakeholders its vision for a necessary and quick way out of this crisis.
  7. Given the seriousness and the urgency of this situation, the Heads of State and Government suggested to hold an Extraordinary Summit with a view to examine the situation and take the necessary decisions to restore peace and stability in Mali.
  8. Following this Extraordinary Summit, the Heads of State and Government express their condolences to the grieving families and wish a prompt recovery to the wounded. They express deep concerns on this situation likely to increase instability in Mali, and in the sub-region. They reiterate their call to all Malian stakeholders to avoid violence and resort to dialogue for the resolution of dispute in a context marked by the multidimensional difficulties that Mali is facing.
  9. They congratulate the Mediator and the ECOWAS Commission for the Work done and express their support to all proposals put forth by the Mediation and included in the Roadmap.
  10. The Heads of State and Government insisted on the importance and the need to respect the Institutions of the Republic, especially the Constitutional means of ascending to power in conformity with the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
  11. The Heads of State and Government noted that the main Malian Institutions are inoperative. It is therefore paramount to re-establish as quickly as possible, these sovereign Institutions necessary for the proper functioning of the State and the management of all issues raised by demonstrators.
  12. The Head of States and Government therefore took the following decisions

a. The Parliament: The Heads of State and Government ask all political parties to endeavour to obtain the immediate resignation of all the 31 Members of Parliament whose election is contested. These resignation will pave the way for by-elections. Pending
these by-elections, the Parliament will operate with the 116 remaining Members.

b. The Constitutional Court the Heads of State and Government ask all the relevant Institutions to facilitate its immediate recomposition according to legal provisions in Mali. The Parliament will propose its representatives after the resignation of the 31 members whose election is contested and the installation of the new bureau. In case of difficulty for the various bodies in designating their members to the Constitutional Court, the President of the Republic will use the exceptional power provided by Article 50 of the Constitution of Mali to nominate the 9 members.

C. The Executive Branch: A National Unity Government will be established rapidly in line with the recommendations of the Mediator. The Heads of States and  Government encourage the opposition, in particular, the M5-RFP, to participate in this National Unity Government. The main task of this National Unity Government will be to deal with the consequences of the demonstrations, and to implement all reforms and recommendations issued from the Inclusive National Dialogue and to improve governance. In particular the implementation of the Algiers Agreements will need to be accelerated. Given the numerous challenges facing the country, Some
members of Government will be nominated before the National Unity Government is formed. These are the ministries in charge of Defense, Justice, Foreign Affairs, National Security and Finance.

d. Inquiries: the Heads of State and Government ask the relevant authorities to conduct quickly those inquiries to determine and identify those responsible for the violence that led to deaths and casualties as well as public and private properties destruction on July 10th, 11th, and 12th 2020

Finally, the Heads of State and Government:
Reiterate their solidarity with the Honourable Soumaila CISSE, Leader of the Opposition, abducted since March 25″ 2020. They insist on the Malian Authorities to intensify efforts for his release.

Ask the ECOWAS Commission to put in place a Monitoring Committee for the implementation of all the above measures. This Committee will include representatives from Government, Parliament, the Judiciary, Civil Society, M5-RFP, women, the youth, with the participation of the local Representative of the African Union the Uritet YatishanEtaiet by ECOWAS.

Ask all stakeholders to implement all the above decisions and measures within 10 days. The ECOWAS Heads of State and Government request the commission to consider sanctions against all those who act contrary to the normalization process of the crisis.

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Mali: ECOWAS Still in Search of Peace After Meeting in Bamako https://thecommerceafrica.com/mali-ecowas-still-in-search-of-peace-after-meeting-in-bamako/ https://thecommerceafrica.com/mali-ecowas-still-in-search-of-peace-after-meeting-in-bamako/#respond Fri, 24 Jul 2020 11:58:49 +0000 http://thecommerceafrica.com/?p=1240 The Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is exploring the option of mutual compromise by all sides involved in the Mali political crisis.

Chairman of the authority and President of Niger Republic, Mahamadou Issoufou, disclosed this after several hours of consultation with interested parties in the crisis by West African leaders at the capital of Mali, Bamako on Thursday.

He also said the Authority would do all it could to salvage the political situation.

The meeting, attended by President Muhammadu Buhari; Host President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and Presidents Machy Sall of Senegal, Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana and Alassane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire, listened to a brief by the ECOWAS Special Envoy, former President Goodluck Jonathan and leader of the opposition, Imam Mahmoud Dicko as well as representatives of opposition alliance, M5 and Civil Society Organisations.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the host President also briefed the Heads of State and government on the socio-political situation in the country, especially the disagreements that spiralled into protests and violence.

Speaking to newsmen on the outcome of the meeting, Issoufou said an extra-ordinary virtual meeting of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government would hold next Monday to further deliberate on the issues raised, with a view to finding lasting solution to the crisis.

He said the sub-regional leaders had already agreed there would be a need for a compromise to protect the peace and integrity of the nation, adding that allowing a political crisis to fester in Mali would affect the security situation in West Africa, especially neighbouring countries.

The ECOWAS Chairman commended former President, Jonathan, for accepting to lead an initial mission to the country to broker peace and make findings, while appreciating all the West African leaders who attended the meeting.

President Buhari returned to Nigeria after the meeting.

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