Africa
By Anayo Ezugwu
THE Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, has insisted that constitutional order must be restored in Mali. It reaffirms its determination to ensure that the political transition led by a civilian president and prime minister for 12 months is restored in the country.
In a communiqué after its 57th ordinary session, the Authority of Heads of State and Government maintained that all the decisions taken at its extraordinary Summit of August 28, 2020, must be followed. It directed that the head of transition and prime minister, both civilians, should be appointed no later than September 15.
Regarding Guinea Bissau, the Authority expressed satisfaction at the progress made in the functioning of institutions, particularly the National Assembly and the government. As a result, the Authority decides to withdraw the ECOWAS Mission in Guinea Bissau and expressed its gratitude to troop and police-contributing countries for their efforts in the stabilisation of Guinea Bissau.
It also thanks the European Union for the various forms of support to ECOMIB since it was deployed in April 2012. It reaffirms its commitment to accompany the government of Guinea Bissau on the ongoing constitutional reform as well as security sector reform in the country.
With respect to The Gambia, the Authority welcomes the political reforms undertaken to stabilise the country. It decides to extend for 6 months, the mandate of the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia, ECOMIG, to enable the Mission to provide support, particularly for the ongoing security sector reform in the country. It also decides that ECOMIG will be gradually changed into a police mission.
With respect to the upcoming presidential elections in Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea and Niger, the Authority notes with satisfaction that most of the Member States with elections in 2020, would be in their fifth or sixth electoral cycle. This would constitute an important test of our region’s commitment to democratic consolidation. The Authority calls on Member States to create an enabling environment for peaceful, inclusive and transparent elections. The Authority calls on all political actors to respect the institutions and laws governing the electoral processes in their respective countries.
The Authority directs ECOWAS Commission, in line with tradition, to accompany the countries in their electoral processes. Particularly, the Authority instructs the Commission to continue to provide technical assistance that will contribute to enhancing the integrity and the thrust of the electoral process in the region.
On economy and social performance, the Authority said the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic will lead to recession and financial difficulties in the region. It, therefore, directs the Commission to support the Member States in their quest for debt service suspension in 2021. It further directs the Commission to negotiate reduction of cost of funds transfer from the Diaspora to the region.
The Authority urges Member States to continue to pursue strong economic reforms and to mobilise the financial resources necessary for the implementation of their economic recovery plan in order to minimise the social impact of COVID-19, in particular on vulnerable groups. The Authority urges Member States and the Commission to prepare a post COVID-19 economic recovery plan to support activities in the region.
– Sept. 10, 2020 @ 15:35 GMT |
Tags: ECOWAS Leaders insist on constitutional order in Mali
