The Nation Newspaper

Tag: ECOWAS

  • Jonathan to meet African leaders in Abuja

    Jonathan to meet African leaders in Abuja

    President Goodluck Jonathan will  host the 46th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Abuja on Monday

    A statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said that the meeting will, among other things, deliberate on the current political and security situation in the sub-region.

    It reads: “President Jonathan and other participating Heads of State and Government of the regional body will also receive a briefing on recent developments in Burkina Faso and review the report of the 33rd Meeting of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council.”

    Also on the agenda of the summit are the consideration and adoption of the 2014 annual report of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, the consideration and adoption of the report of the 73rd Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers and the election of the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government for next year.

    “President Jonathan, the current Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President John Mahama of Ghana,  the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and the United Nations Secretary General’s Special Representative for West Africa, Mr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas will present statements to the one-day summit before it goes into a closed-door session,” It added

    The statement said that some of the participating Heads of State and Government have already arrived in Abuja ahead of the opening of the summit today.

    A communiqué on the summit’s decisions is expected to be issued at the conclusion of their deliberations.

  • Ebola : Togo’s President heads ECOWAS response team

    Ebola : Togo’s President heads ECOWAS response team

     Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has appointed

    President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe of Togo as head of the region’s Ebola Virus Disease Response and Eradication Process.

    The Togolese President was asked to supervise the process following the endorsement of the Regional Integrated Operational Plan for response to the Ebola virus by ECOWAS Heads of Government during a  regional summit in Accra on Thursday.

    Also, ECOWAS Chairman, President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana, has urged regional and international responses to the Ebola scourge be “extended beyond the obvious and tangible needs” and address equally critical issues of fear and stigmatization, and the growing number of children being orphaned by the disease.

    He said Liberia alone, one of the three countries mostly affected by the outbreak and which is recovering from a 14-year devastating civil war, has registered more than 2,000 orphans, adding that about 50 per cent of people fortunate to survive the disease in the region “are unable to return to homes in which they once lived or return to their former jobs.”

    “With such large numbers of the labour force unable to work as a result of infection or quarantine measures, the economies of Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone have all but crumbled,” the ECOWAS chair told his colleagues, while opening the extra-ordinary summit on Ebola.

    The summit is also discussing the political crisis in Burkina Faso, following the resignation of President Blaise Compaoré on October 31  and military takeover of power.

    Citing the inter-connectedness of the economies nations in the region, President Mahama, said:  “Discussion of aid must include a plan for the future sustainability” of the three Ebola severely affected countries.

    “We cannot and must not leave them (counties). To do so would make all our efforts and all of our assistance virtually meaningless.”

    While acknowledging the success stories in Nigeria and Senegal, which have been declared Ebola free by the World Health Organization (WHO).

    The President of the ECOWAS Commission H.E. Kadré Desire Ouédraogo announced that the commission haddonated one million US dollars to each of the three severely affected countries to help strengthen their fight against the disease.

  • Togo’s president to lead ECOWAS Ebola response

    Togo’s president to lead ECOWAS Ebola response

    West African leaders on Thursday appointed Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe to supervise the region’s efforts to contain the deadly Ebola epidemic, which has killed nearly 5,000 people, mostly in the region.

    The leaders who gathered in the Ghanaian capital, Accra, called for accelerated efforts to make vaccines available against the disease, which has infected some 13,567 people in eight countries, Reuters reports.

    Organisations should prioritise the provision of vaccines at subsidized prices to the affected countries, as well as others, they said in a communiqué after reviewing the impact of the disease in the region.

    The Accra meeting is the third called by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) this year to discuss how to tackle Ebola. The meeting also saw additional pledges of financial assistance from member countries and partners in support of measures to fight the disease.

    Ghana’s President John Mahama, who currently chairs the regional grouping, said although some countries had made progress in stabilizing the epidemic, a lot more needed to be done to eradicate it.

    “Ebola is still a serious matter and we still have a lot of urgent work to do to defeat the virus and also seize the moment to strengthen our public health systems for the future,” Mahama said in closing remarks at the meeting, attended by regional leaders and international aid agencies.

    He said members were committed to going the full length to defeat the disease.

    “I wish to acknowledge that our political will is high and our commitment is strong in this battle against Ebola,” he added.

    The European Union announced it was committing 280 million euros immediately and an additional one billion euros for the control of the epidemic in the region.

  • ECOWAS court seeks funding

    THE Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called for adequate funding to enable it implement its Community Strategic Framework 2016 – 2020.

    President of the Court, Justice Maria Do Ceu Silva Montiero, said the community must recognise the peculiarities of young institutions like the court without diversified sources of funding.

    “The greatest challenge an institution like the Community Court of Justice faces in the implementation of its strategic plan is inadequate funding,” she said.

    Speaking in Portuguese at the opening ceremony of the 9th meeting of the Strategic Planning Coordinating Committee in Calabar, she said the 2013-2015 strategic plan of the Court was formally adopted in July 2013 but has not been implemented owing to funding.

    The Court, she added, lacks office accommodation, saying there is an urgent need to “build a befitting office complex with adequate room for the Honourable Judges and Staff of the Court, courtrooms, conference rooms and library.”

    She said the Community Strategic Framework will provide an important tool for the realisation of community goals and objectives.

     

  • ‘Why ECOWAS needs single currency’

    Economists and stakehold-ers in the global economy have highlighted the benefits of ECOWAS having a single currency by 2020.

    An economist at the Banque de France, Gilles Dufrénot, said in an online agency report: ‘Inter- Reseaux’ that the ECOWAS countries are on the way to establishing a single currency by 2020. Nigeria, he said, is poised to play a major role in this process.

    He explained that the “currency map” of West Africa comprises several different exchange regimes. “There is a monetary union, made up of the eight countries of the franc zone, whose currency is tied to the euro ; and a set of non-convertible national currencies whose exchange rates in relation to the dollar or the euro are fixed administratively to a greater or lesser degree,” he said.

    He explained that since different exchange regimes coexist in a small area does not back trade between countries due to the high transaction costs involved (for example, fees for currency conversion and the insurance costs incurred by importers and exporters to cover exchange risks).

    Also, for currencies not pegged to an international currency, the problems linked to the credibility of their exchange policies and the uncertainties linked to volatile exchange rates discourage stable foreign capital and investment over the medium and long term.

    He said the idea of introducing a single currency within ECOWAS is based on several historical observations. First, monetary unions tend to foster regional trade as long as they attain a critical mass. Second, regional trade is what drives economic growth, rather than transactions in the context of North/South specialisation. The reason for this is that regional trade most often involves the exchange of similar products, avoiding the pitfall of national industries evicted by imports.

    Lastly, the global economy is likely to take shape around currency poles in coming years. It will be important for African countries to have their own poles, alongside international currency poles (the dollar, the euro and the yen). The timetable for implementing a single currency in ECOWAS is outlined as follows.

    First, the countries that are not members of the franc zone will set up their own monetary zone called the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ) in 2014, adopting a common currency, the West African Currency Unit.

     

  • ECOWAS ministers meet in Accra

    The Ministerial Coordination Group (MCG) of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Health Ministers is to meet in Accra, Ghana tomorrow, in a bid to end the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

    The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Kadre Desire Ouedraogo, spoke at a dinner with media representatives in Abuja.

    He said the meeting would modalities for the deployment of personnel as recommended in the Regional Operational Plan for response to EVD.

    According to the plan, it would define procedures for the recruitment of health personnel and coordinators in partnership with the health ministries of ECOWAS nations, Economic Community of West African States Ceasefire Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) and other development partners.

    The plan was developed by ECOWAS Health ministers at their Extraordinary Assembly on August 28 in Ghana. They detailed activities, tasks, implementation indicators, place of implementation, including cost and institutions in charge, as well as the time frame for project implementation.

    Ouedraogo said besides collective efforts, solidarity from member-nations and prevention remained the best option to address EVD.

     

  • Ebola, a great threat to ECOWAS stability – U.S

    Ebola, a great threat to ECOWAS stability – U.S

    The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. James Entwistle, has described the Ebola Virus Disease as great threat to the existence of the Economic Community of West African States.

    He said the answer to the present situation was to maintain a focus on regional economic development.

    The ambassador also revealed that total U.S- ECOWAS trade was valued at $23.3 billion in 2013.

    Entwistle, who spoke at the U.S-ECOWAS Launch of the USAID/West Africa Trade Hub and African Partners Network, held in Abuja, said, “Today, a great threat to this movement looms over this region – the Ebola outbreak.  This disease not only threatens human health, but it also threatens the stability of West Africa’s economies.  That is why the United States joins the international community, partnering with those in West Africa, to fight this threat.

    “Since the first cases emerged, the U.S has expanded its efforts and provided expertise in response to the increased severity of the outbreak.  We are stepping up efforts on the ground.  We currently have some 100 specialists, including some of our best and brightest from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and from USAID.  West Africa is in for a long fight against this terrible disease, and we are in the fight with you.

    “But, even in the midst of this regional emergency, we must maintain a focus on regional economic development.

    “Increased free trade offers a powerful way to meet West Africa’s need for stronger economies and higher incomes, today and in the future. Open borders mean lower, more stable prices for staple goods, empowering local consumers to better access these foods year round for healthy, strong families. Local business can produce for a wider market, enabling higher revenues and more jobs for the region’s growing population. Free trade also allows farmers to access growing markets, further increasing production and generating private sector investment in agriculture.”

     

  • Ebola: Closing of borders not solution, say EU, ECOWAS

    The European Union (EU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have appealed against the closure of borders or  isolation of countries affected by the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

    The bodies warned that such an action could be counter-productive.

    Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea are most hit by the virus, killing over 2,000 people in the last six months. Nigeria also had a share, as the virus was brought to the country by a Liberian-American, the late Patrick Sawyer. It has killed seven people.

    The appeal was made at the 10th edition of the ECOWAS/Development Partners Annual Coordination Meeting held in Abuja. Officials from both regional bodies are meeting for the next three days with other institutions to discuss the virus, terrorism and other issues.

    European Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Michel Arrion, said closing borders against Ebola-ravaged countries was not a solution to containing the spread.

    “There is need to isolate the virus, but there is no need to isolate the countries,” he said.

    Arrion said if the sub-region’s ability failed, West African countries might face a dangerous threat to public health and security with the scourge of the disease.

    The EU ambassador noted that of the 15 countries in West Africa, three have been seriously affected, with two more having to deal with reported cases, while the other 10 have not had reported cases.

    Arrion, who urged member- countries to step up effort against the diseases, warned that one cannot rule out fresh cases in the region.

    The ECOWAS Commission’s President, Kadre Desire Ouedraogo, speaking with reporters, said although it was important that borders be closed, member-states must be conscious in terms of surveillance.

    “I appeal to ECOWAS member-states not to close their borders, not to isolate the affected countries because this will be counter-productive. We should cultivate the spirit of solidarity,” he said.

    Ouedraogo said recommendations had been made by the regional ministers of health on measures to be taken by every ECOWAS member-state to contain the epidemic by controlling the passengers at the exit and entry points in order to avoid contamination.

    “They have proposed the creation of Humanitarian Corridors, which we are implementing and we are working with ECOWAS member-states to establish these corridors. That is for each country. There should be a designated land entry point, air entry point and maritime entry point, which will be monitored by two neighbouring countries to ensure that the epidemic will not travel with the passengers. We should open the borders, but should be very vigilant to control the epidemic,” he said.

    The ECOWAS chief, who appealed for more funding from member-countries and development partners to tackle the disease, hailed Nigeria for contributing $3.5million to fight Ebola.

    “The West African Health Community has been at the forefront. The only thing is that we lack the financial resources to respond as quickly as we need. And right as we speak, I still appeal to our partners to provide us with the necessary financial support in order to be more efficient. ECOWAS is coordinating the fight against this epidemic and the West African Health Organisation is on ground.

  • Ebola: EU, ECOWAS warn against border closure, isolation

    Ebola: EU, ECOWAS warn against border closure, isolation

    The European Union and the Economic Community of West African States have warned against closure of borders or isolation of countries affected by Ebola Virus Disease.

    EU and ECOWAS said such action could be counter-productive.

    Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea are most hit by the virus that has killed over 2,000 people in the last six months.

    Nigeria had also been hit by the virus that was imported into the country by a Liberian-American, Patrick Sawyer. Seven people had been killed by Ebola in the country.

    The appeal was made at the 10th Edition of the ECOWAS/Development Partners Annual Coordination Meeting held in Abuja.

    Officials from both regional bodies and other institutions are meeting for days to discuss the virus, terrorism and other issues.

    The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Michel Arrion, in his remark explained that closing borders against Ebola ravaged countries was not the solution to containing the spread of the virus.

    “There is the need to isolate the virus, but there is no need to isolate the countries,” he stated.

    Arrion said that if the sub-region’s ability fails, the whole West African countries may face an extremely dangerous threat to public health and security with the scourge of the disease.

    The ECOWAS Commission’s President, Kadre Desire Ouedraogo, while speaking with journalists, said although it is important that borders are not closed, member states must be very conscious in terms of surveillance.

    “I want to appeal to all ECOWAS member states not to close their borders, not to isolate the affected countries because this will be counter-productive. We should cultivate the spirit of solidarity,” Ouedraogo said.

     

  • Taraba, firm collaborate to fight Hepatitis

    Taraba State and Roche,a biotech company, are to work together to check the rise in  Hepatitis condition.

    At a ceremony to mark the treatment, prevention and capacity building partnership between the state and the company, Acting Governor Garba Umar, said government was worried about the increasing number of people infected with Hepatitis B and C .

    Umar said he lost a son to Hepatitis B in 2005, “I lost my first son, Major Umar to Hepatitis B in 2005.

    “Umar was serving with the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) in Sierra Leone, but the disease was not diagnosed in Sierra Leone until he took ill and was admitted at Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH). By the time he was diagnosed and it was found to be Hepatitis, it was too late. So I know how it feels to be affected or even infected with Hepatitis B. If Roche had been around to render this assistance we are getting now, may be my son would have been alive.”

    Umar said lack of access to information especially on prevention, treatment and specialist care were major impediments to managing and responding to the disease.

    Umar said his admnistration  would rid the state of the disease, adding: “I am happy Roche is partnering with us to address this disease and if the terms of the partnership are anything to go by, then we are on our way to making significant progress as far as Hepatitis B response is concerned”, he said.

    Roche Market Access Manager, Chukwudi Ehibudu, who represented Roche Nigeria Country Manager, Herman Addae  said findings from a survey of blood donors in a chosen facility showed that about four out of every 10 blood donors in that particular blood bank had Hepatitis B or C.

    Ehibudu said Roche would  provide free Hepatitis testing for those willing,   provide viral load testing machine, increase access to affordable treatment for those who would require treatment and capacity building for doctors on Hepatitis management, care and support.

    He said: “Taraba State currently has one Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist in the person of Dr. Aisha Adamu.

    “Considering the size of Taraba state and the number of patients to care for, there would be need for increased capacity, hence Roche would be conducting a series of specialised training for doctors in the state as part of this partnership.”

    Dr Adamu said, ‘’Hepatitis B virus is one of the most infectious viruses in the world and could singularly lead to liver failure, cancer and untimely death in infected persons.

    “Unlike HIV, it can stay on a surface for about seven days and it is 100 times more infectious than HIV and an infected person can spread it in a household, hence we are saying it is closer than you think.”