The ECOWAS Commission has reiterated its dedication to fostering peace, security, and stability in West Africa, despite the challenges currently faced by the region. This commitment was emphasized by Amb. Abdel-Fatau Musah, the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, during the opening of the ECOWAS’ Mediation and Security Council at the Ambassadorial level on June 16, 2023, in Abuja, Nigeria.
Commissioner Musah expressed encouragement regarding the relative stability of the region’s political landscape, citing the successes achieved in recent electoral processes in certain member states. He emphasized that inclusive, free, fair, transparent, and credible elections are crucial for the sustainable peace, security, and stability of the region. Additionally, he expressed the Commission’s anticipation of the upcoming general elections in Sierra Leone and Liberia, scheduled for June 24, 2023, and October 10, 2023, respectively.
While acknowledging the progress made, Commissioner Musah highlighted the ongoing insecurity across the region, particularly in the Sahel, as a matter of grave concern. He affirmed the ECOWAS Commission’s unwavering commitment to combatting terrorism, violent extremism, and transnational organized crime in the region through the implementation of the ECOWAS Action Plan on Terrorism and other relevant frameworks.
Commissioner Musah sought the support of the Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives in implementing the recommendations discussed during the meeting. Their collaboration is crucial to strengthening peace, security, stability, and good governance in the region.
Addressing the attendees, H.E. Joao Butiam Co, the Ambassador of Guinea Bissau and Chair of the Mediation and Security Council at the Ambassadorial level, extended a warm welcome to his colleagues from the Permanent Representative Committee (PRC), members of the ECOWAS Parliament, other statutory appointees of the Community, and Commission staff at the 38th Session of the Mediation and Security Council at the Ambassadorial Level. He acknowledged that the meeting took place amidst significant uncertainties at the regional and international levels, including challenges related to peace, security, governance, and dire humanitarian situations that have disproportionately affected vulnerable community members, particularly children and women.
The Chair reiterated the PRC members’ commitment to collaborative work with the ECOWAS Management, especially regarding the mobilization of resources to find sustainable solutions to the region’s numerous challenges and difficulties. This concerted effort aims to achieve the 4×4 Strategic Objectives of the current Management and the Vision 2050, envisioning a community of people living in peace and shared prosperity.
Several important memoranda were presented during the meeting, covering topics such as political transition processes, the peace and security situation, the operationalization of the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF), ECOWAS stabilization missions, online money laundering and terrorism financing, the humanitarian situation in the region, as well as an update on the ECOWAS Early Warning System.
The Mediation and Security Council at the Ambassadorial level sets the stage for the commencement of ECOWAS’ statutory meetings, culminating in the summit of the Authority of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government in July 2023.
