On 19 June, the European Union (EU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held a breakfast meeting in Abuja, Nigeria
The event was attended by EU Ambassador Samuela Isopi, H.E. Mr Omar Touray, President of ECOWAS Commission, European Union Member States Ambassadors as well as ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs Peace and Security, Ambassador Fatau Musa, ECOWAS Director of External Relations Mr. Jerome Boa, ECOWAS Director of PeaceKeaping and Regional Security and ECOWAS Directorate of Political Affairs.
The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the three transition countries in the region – Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea – as well as the regional security architecture and follow-up to the EU-ECOWAS Ministerial Dialogue. The discussion also included an update on regional programming.
At the meeting, EU and ECOWAS discussed the progress of the transition countries in the region. EU reaffirmed its commitment to support the people of the three countries as they move towards stability and democratic governance. In particular, the EU highlighted the importance of strengthening security, promoting human rights and the rule of law, and helping to revive the economy.The meeting also provided an update on the implementation of the conclusions of the December 2022 ECOWAS Ordinary Summit.
EU and ECOWAS discussed the progress made in strengthening the regional security architecture and improving the capacity of regional security forces. EU reiterated its commitment to supporting ECOWAS in this regard.
EU and ECOWAS also discussed the follow-up to the EU-ECOWAS Ministerial Dialogue, held in April 2021. The EU highlighted the importance of this dialogue in strengthening the partnership between the two organisations and in advancing regional integration.Finally, the discussion provided an update on regional programming. EU and ECOWAS discussed the progress made in the implementation of the programmes and the need to ensure that the programmes are aligned with the priorities of the region.
At the conclusion of the meeting, EU Ambassador Isopi and ECOWAS Commission President Touray expressed their satisfaction with the progress made and their commitment to continuing to strengthen the partnership between the EU and ECOWAS.
They also agreed on the need for further cooperation and collaboration on regional programming and the implementation of the conclusions of the December 2022 ECOWAS Ordinary Summit.
Both parties remain committed to working together to promote peace, security and development in West Africa. The two organisations are determined to continue to strengthen the partnership between them and to work together to address the challenges facing the region.
Reported by the ECOWAS Development Partners Unit formerly: RAO Support Unit