The Nation Newspaper

Tag: ECOWAS

  • FUNAAB don wins ECOWAS grant

    Prof Adebayo Shittu of the Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management, College of Agricultural Management and Rural Development (COLAMRUD) of the Federal University of Agricultural Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has won an international grant to the tune of Euros 118,956 from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

    Shittu won the grant for a proposal titled, “Incentivising Adoption of Climatic Smart Practices in Cereals Production in Nigeria: Sociocultural and Economic Diagnosis” prepared by his team for the “Innovative Projects for Food and Nutrition Security in West Africa,” sponsored by the Regional Agency for Agriculture and Food (RAAF) Support Programme for Food and Nutrition Security in West Africa (PASANAO), and the French Development Agency (AFD).

    Shittu’s team will carry out the project, which ends in October, in collaboration with the National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI), Badeggi, Niger State.

    He said the nation-wide study would evaluate the socio-economic impacts of adopting Climate Smart Practices (CSPs) in maize and rice production, Identify appropriate mechanisms by which wide-spread adoption of CSPs might be incentivised to stop or reverse land degradation, evaluate the restoration of ecosystem health, enhance livelihood outcomes and build resilience to climate change using the examples of rice and maize farmers in Nigeria.

    Other members of Shittu’s research team are: Prof Oluwakemi Fapojuwo (Department of Agricultural Administration); Dr. Bolarinwa Senjobi (Soil Science and Land Management); Dr. Thomas Fabunmi (Plant Physiology and Crop Production); Dr. Dare Akerele (Agricultural Extension and Farm Management); and Dr. Rahman Sanusi (also from AEFM). Others are Dr Abiodun Obayelu and Dr. Elizabeth Oluwalana, (Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre, AMREC).

    Collaborating scientists from NCRI are: Dr. Saliu Tiamiyu, Miss Uduma Ugalahi and Mr. Jude Eze.

  • Group praises ECOWAS for resolving Gambian impasse

    Group praises ECOWAS for resolving Gambian impasse

    A CIVIL society organisation, the Committee for the Protection of Peoples Mandate (CPPM), has commended the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for its role in resolving the political impasse in The Gambia, by ensuring that former President Yahya Jammeh left office involuntarily.
    The CPPM, in a press statement signed by its Executive Chairman, Mr. Nelson Ekujumi, also commended the Gambia people for their perseverance, despite the provocative comments and actions of the former dictator in his bid to hang on to power.
    Ekujumi said: “As we rejoice with the people of The Gambia over the restoration of democracy and the aversion of a needless crisis that would have been generated by the crudity of former dictator, Yahya Jammeh, to cling on to power unconstitutionally and against decency and civilised conduct, may we admonish them to remain faithful to democracy as the only legitimate means of determining who rules them.
    “We congratulate President Adama Barrow for his tenacity in keeping faith with the mandate of the Gambian people and urge him to repay all the sacrifices put in place to reclaim his mandate, both locally and internationally, by ensuring the delivery of dividends of democracy to the populace.
    Ekujumi added: “We view this action of the ECOWAS, in restoring democracy to The Gambia by chasing out the expired despot Yahya Jammeh as highly commendable, a victory for democracy and an unambiguous message to other despots on the African continent that the time of reckoning for assaulting the people’s right to freely choose their leader, is over.”
    He said the ECOWAS action in Gambia would be a wake-up call to the electorates in Africa to boldly take their destiny in their thumbs, to vote out despots who have mismanaged their economies and caused strife on the African continent.

  • No government in Gambia yet – ECOWAS

    No government in Gambia yet – ECOWAS

    Five days after former President, Yahya Jammeh quit power, there is no government in The Gambia.

    The Economic Community of West African State (ECOWAS) said on Tuesday the newly inaugurated President Adama Barrow was still in Senegal.

    ECOWAS Commission president, Mr. Marcel Alain de Souza, said the regional body was doing everything possible to ensure that President Barrow goes back to his country to start work in the shortest period.

    De-Souza, who briefed diplomats accredited to the Commission on the current issues in The Gambia said, “there is no government in The Gambia for now. Barrow will go in when he is sure that the country is safe for him.

    He also said the regional force will still remain in the country for a while to help the president to settle down.

    Explaining what might have caused the delay in President Barrow’s return to his country, de-Souza said there was the need for proper arrangement for the president safe return to Gambia.

    The commission also maintained that military decision to remain in Gambia was at the instance of the new president who was expected to leave the Senegalese capital, Dakar, on Tuesday.

    He noted that the ECOWAS force must ensure that there is no stockpiling of arms in Gambia.

    Barrow, according to the president of ECOWAS Commission, also requested that sufficient force should be on ground for the next six months.

     

  • Jammeh not granted immunity – Barrow’s aide

    Former Gambian leader, Yahya Jammeh, has not been granted immunity from prosecution, a member of President Adama Barrow’s coalition said on Monday.

    Barrow rejected a proposal by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to protect Jammeh from prosecution, Mai Fatty, an executive member of the coalition, said.

    Senegal’s foreign minister Mankeur Ndiaye confirmed “no deal’’ had been negotiated with Jammeh, who ruled the small West African nation for 22 years with an iron fist, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

    Jammeh, who has lived in exile in Equatorial Guinea since Saturday, stands accused by the coalition of having stolen some $12 million out of state coffers during the standoff that followed his December 1 election defeat.

    His government was also widely accused of corruption, human rights abuses and an incessant crackdown on the opposition.

    Barrow has said he plans to establish a commission to investigate potential wrongdoing by Jammeh, who spent weeks trying to overturn the result of the presidential election.

    The ex-leader eventually stepped down after pressure from West African leaders, with West African troops entering Gambia to force his hand.

    Throngs of Gambians meanwhile returned home from neighbouring Senegal on Monday, hours after ECOWAS troops secured the capital Banjul and took control over the seat of the Government House.

     

  • U.S. commends ECOWAS for ousting Jammeh

    The United States (U.S.) has commended Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for its show of leadership in peacefully ousting former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh.

    The U.S. Department of State, in a statement by its spokesperson, Mr Mark Toner, also welcomed the ongoing peaceful transition in that country and the commitment to democracy by the people.

    “The United States welcomes the ongoing peaceful transition of power in The Gambia and congratulates President Adama Barrow on his inauguration.

    “We applaud the commitment to democracy and the restraint shown by the Gambian people over the past weeks.

    “We commend the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other regional partners for their leadership in addressing the situation,” the statement said.

    The U.S. also commended Jammeh for departing The Gambia peacefully and avoiding the use of violence.

    “We appreciate the decision by Yahya Jammeh to depart The Gambia peacefully.

    “We also echo President Barrow’s call for Gambians to unite and work together as brothers and sisters for the future of The Gambia.

    “The United States is proud of our close ties to the people of The Gambia and looks forward to working closely with President Barrow and his team to achieve the aspirations of all Gambians.”

  • Jammeh’s departure from The Gambia temporary – ECOWAS, AU, UN

    Jammeh’s departure from The Gambia temporary – ECOWAS, AU, UN

    The ECOWAS, African Union and UN have said they would work with the new Gambian government to ensure that former President Jammeh was at liberty to return to the country when he wanted.
    The former president left Banjul on Saturday to go into exile after he was pressurised by the ECOWAS to rescind his earlier decision not to accept the outcome of Dec. 1 presidential election, which saw him losing to the opposition candidate, Adama Bbarrow.
    Jammeh’s return would be in accordance with international human rights law and his rights as a citizen and a former head of state, they stated in a joint declaration in Banjul.
    They commended the “goodwill and statesmanship” of the former president for facilitating “an immediate peaceful and orderly transition process and transfer of power to President Adama Barrow in accordance with the Gambian constitution”.
    They also commended him for his interest in the Gambian people and preserving the peace, stability and security in the country.
    The declaration stated that Jammeh’s departure from The Gambia on Saturday was temporary adding that it was in order to assist a peaceful and orderly transition and transfer of power and the establishment of a new government.
    The blocs noted that his leaving was without any prejudice to his rights as a citizen, a former president and a political party leader.
    They further assured that host countries that would offer “African hospitality” to the former president and his family do not become undue targets of harassment, intimidation and all other pressures and sanctions.
    They also committed to work with the current government to prevent the seizure of assets and property lawfully belonging to Jammeh or his family and those of his cabinet members, government officials and party supporters.
    “Further, ECOWAS, the AU and the UN commit to work with the Government of The Gambia to ensure that it fully guarantees, assures and ensures the dignity, security, safety and rights of former President Jammeh’s immediate family, cabinet members, government officials, Security Officials and party supporters and loyalists.
    “ECOWAS, the AU and the UN urge the Government of The Gambia to take all necessary measures to assure and ensure that there is no intimidation, harassment and/or witch-hunting of former regime members and supporters, in conformity with the Constitution and other laws of The Gambia,” they stated.
    The regional organisations said they would work with the government on national reconciliation to “avoid any recriminations”.
    They also assured that they would take all measures to support the maintenance of the integrity of the security forces and guard against all measures that would create division and a breakdown of order.
    “Pursuant to this declaration, ECOWAS will halt any military operations in The Gambia and will continue to pursue peaceful and political resolution of the crisis.”
    Meanwhile, President Adama Barrow has said he would return to The Gambia on Monday.
    Barrow confirmed this on his twitter handle, @adama_barrow, on Sunday.
    He said: “I will be returning to my homeland, the Republic of The Gambia tomorrow. #Gambia.”
    Barrow, who took the oath of office in the Gambian Embassy in Senegal on Thursday, has assured citizens who fled that “they now have the liberty to return home”.
    He succeeded Yahya Jammeh, who lost in the Dec. 1 presidential election and refused to vacate office when his 22-year rule expired midnight on Thursday. (NAN)

  • Jammeh gets final ultimatum to cede power

    West African leaders have given Yahya Jammeh a final opportunity to relinquish power after Senegalese troops entered The Gambia.

    Mr. Jammeh has been given until noon on Friday to leave office or be forced out by United Nations-backed regional forces, the BBC reports.

    Troops have been told to halt their advance until the deadline passes.

    The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is acting in support of Adama Barrow, who was sworn in as the new Gambian president on Thursday.

    His legitimacy as president, after winning last month’s election, has been recognised internationally.

    Last-ditch mediation talks, led by Guinea’s President Alpha Conde, are due on Friday morning.

    Chairman of the ECOWAS commission, Marcel Alain de Souza, said that if the meeting with Mr. Conde proved unsuccessful, militarily action would follow.

    “If by midday, he [Mr. Jammeh] doesn’t agree to leave The Gambia under the banner of President Conde, we really will intervene militarily,” he said.

    ECOWAS said that its forces had encountered no resistance after entering The Gambia on Thursday.

  • Accidental bombing: It was a tragic mistake- Air Chief

    Accidental bombing: It was a tragic mistake- Air Chief

    • as AirForce deploys 200 personnel to The Gambia
    The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar has described the bombing of a civilian settlement by an Air Force fighter jet as a tragic mistake.
    Air Marshal Abubakar spoke at the 117 Air Combat Training Group (ACTG), Kainji on Wednesday during the deployment of about 200 Air Force troops to The Gambia.
    He said the pilots got airborne to save lives but a mistake led to the “tragic loss of lives.”
    Abubakar said: “It was a very tragic thing yesterday (Tuesday), our pilots got airborne hoping to save lives but unfortunately there was a tragic mistake which lead to the loss of life of innocent people, we have been operating for eight years in the North East now we have flown close to 6000hrs, this is the first time we are having this tragedy.
    “This is very tragic and unfortunate incident, sometimes it does happen in war,  I want to say that we share in the pains and sorrows of the families that have lost loved ones, I want to sympathise with those that are wounded.
    “We have directed our Chief of medical services to provide medical facility in Maiduguri to the wounded so that they can also be treated there in addition to other medical facilities that is available in Maiduguri.”
    He assured that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident.
    “Also we are putting up a high-powered committee at the Air Force level, I know the theatre commander is also working hard to find out what really happened, the information we have are very sketchy, we don’t want to pre-empt the findings of this committee both at the headquarters level and the Committee that has been set up.
    “It is very tragic and unfortunate but I want to assure as a professional service we will continue to evaluate our procedures and processes so that we can be effective in dealing with those that are out to kill innocent people and not what really happened on Tuesday.
    The troops deployment to The Gambia was a mandate of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to enforce the results of the December 1, 2016 presidential election in that country.
    The Air Force personnel were airlifted from Kainji to Dakar in Senegal. The troops which included the Special Forces, Combat Support Group, Technicians, Medical officials etc were airborne in the Hercules C-130 military transport plane.
    The CAS who addressed the troops urged them to keep Nigeria’s flag flying by being professional and to conduct themselves to the Air Force high standard.
    “They have been given the task which is very well defined, and we have put together all the air assets that we think are necessary to ensure that we are able to to successfully conduct this operation and that is what we have on the ground here,” Abubakar said.
    Among the platforms being deployed to the Gambia include: fighter airplanes, helicopters, C-130 and the large utility helicopter which also be useful in the conduct of the operation.
    “What we have here are men that are highly trained, highly skilled they know their job and they know their task, and as a professional service the commander of the air assets will work together with other commanders and they will come up with what is required in terms of plans, to be able to execute their tasks and come back home,” Abubakar said.
    Also, it was reliably gathered that the Nigerian Army is also set to deploy to the Gambia on Thursday. The Army troops will be airlifted by the C-130 transport plane. The Navy had on Monday deployed it’s newest battleship, NNS Unity to the tiny West African country.

  • ECOWAS army chiefs meet over The Gambia

    Nigeria at the weekend hosted a meeting of West African military chiefs in preparation for a possible military action in The Gambia after Thursday.

    The tenure of outgoing President Yahya Jammeh ends on Thursday when President-elect Adama Barrow is due to take office, but Jammeh has refused to quit power despite losing the December 1, 2016 election.

    Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin, on Saturday hosted colleagues from other West African countries as Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) steps up preparation for a possible military action in the Gambia.

    Two missions to Banjul, led by President Muhammadu Buhari, failed to convince Jammeh to respect the election outcome.

    A statement from Barrow’s office said Jammeh’s meeting with President Buhari and other ECOWAS representatives on Friday was “unproductive.”

    The military chiefs’ meeting, held at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, as part of the move force Jammeh out should such a need arise.

    But Gen. Olonisakin expressed the readiness of regional leaders and military commanders to continue the pursuit of dialogue with the political leaders of The Gambia to ensure peaceful transition of power.

    A statement on the website of the Defence headquarters listed those who attended the meeting as Chairperson of ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence Staff, Brig Gen.  Daniel Ziankahn (Liberia); CH Gueye of Senegal; ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Hajiya Salamatu; Vice President of the Commission; the Ghanaian Chief of Defence Staff and principal staff officers from Defence, Army, Navy, and Air Force headquarters.

    The United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) said ECOWAS had decided to take all necessary actions to enforce the results of the Dec. 1, 2016 presidential election .

    Head of UNOWAS Mohamed Ibn Chambas, who is also the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-Genera, told the UN Security Council that “some countries in the region had witnessed political uncertainty or significant security challenges.

    The AU’s Peace and Security Council said in a statement the organisation will no longer recognise Mr Jammeh as president once his term ends. It warned of “serious consequences in the event that his action causes any crisis that could lead to political disorder [and] humanitarian and human rights disaster”.

    Senegal will host Gambian president-elect Adama Barrow until his swearing-in ceremony, the state-owned Senegalese news agency APS reported Sunday.

    Barrow arrived in Dakar shortly after midnight on Sunday, an unnamed official source said.

    The agency said Senegalese President Macky Sall had accepted to host Barrow at the request of ECOWAS at a Franco-African summit in the Malian capital Bamako on Saturday.

    ECOWAS had set Thursday as  deadline to try to resolve the Gambian crisis, Radio France Internationale earlier quoted Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe as saying.

    ECOWAS wants the UN to approve military action if Mr Barrow’s inauguration is blocked

    Mali’s President Ibrahim Keita called for “proverbial African wisdom” to prevail to avert a bloodbath and there are growing fears that the uncertainty could cause a refugee exodus.

    Thousands of Gambians, mostly women and children, have already crossed the border into neighbouring Senegal and further afield to Guinea-Bissau, where they do not require a visa.

    Barrow was referred to as the president at the weekend’s Bamako summit

    Jammeh’s refusal to concede defeat has sparked fears of violence in the West African country.

    Barrow attended the Franco-African summit, while Jammeh was absent, following talks between ECOWAS mediators and both leaders in Gambia on Friday.

  • ECOWAS gets U.S. ICT support

    ECOWAS gets U.S. ICT support

    The U.S. Government has supported the ECOWAS with Information Technology and Communication equipment to enhance its early warning mechanism, as part of its partnership to promote peace and security within the sub-region.

    Mrs Halima Ahmed, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security said in a statement on Friday in Abuja that the gesture would enable the Early Warning Directorate to achieve its objectives and mandate.

    “The equipment will enhance the capacity and coordination of National Early Warning and Response Centres in member states, as well as the collation of relevant data within the community,” she said.

    Ahmed further expressed gratitude to the U.S. Government for its continued support to peace and security in West Africa.

    Also, Mr Derell Kennedo, Political Officer of the U.S. Embassy, expressed the interest of the U.S. in peace and security within the region.

    Kennedo said that peace and stability in West Africa would not only benefit ECOWAS citizens but also the U.S.

    Two vehicles were also presented to the ECOWAS Early Warning Directorate.