ECOWAS and German Embassy in Nigeria Strengthen Partnership, Tackle West Africa’s Challenges and Regional Integration.
By Raymond Enoch
In a significant move to enhance bilateral cooperation, the Vice-President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Ms. Damtien Larbli Tchintchibidja, underscored the deepening partnership between ECOWAS and Germany during a high-level courtesy meeting with the German Embassy in Nigeria. The meeting, held at ECOWAS headquarters in Abuja brought together directors from the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) to discuss and strengthen collaborative efforts aimed at tackling the region’s most pressing challenges.
Ms. Tchintchibidja emphasized the long-standing and fruitful relationship between Germany and ECOWAS, noting the vital role of the Regional Stabilization and Development Fund (RSDF) and the Early Warning and Response System, ECOWARN, in enhancing regional security and development. She highlighted the tremendous positive impact of these initiatives on the lives of West African citizens, particularly in stabilizing the region and fostering peace.
The Vice-President also reflected on several key achievements of ECOWAS, including the promotion of free movement within the region, the introduction of the ECOWAS passport, and the establishment of the common external tariff, which has fostered trade among member states. She further highlighted the creation of the ECOWAS common currency, the efforts to ensure food security, and the establishment of National Early Warning and Response Centres, all of which are contributing to greater regional integration and stability.
However, despite these advancements, Ms. Tchintchibidja expressed concerns over the numerous security challenges still facing the region, including conflicts, violent extremism, organized crime, terrorism, and the devastating impacts of climate change. These issues, she stressed, continue to pose significant threats to peace, security, and stability in West Africa.
Ms. Tchintchibidja took the opportunity to commend Germany and GIZ for their unwavering support, urging for continued collaboration to further bolster the achievements of the regional organization. She also called for an expansion of their partnership to address the growing challenges facing West Africa.
Ms. Karin Jansen, the Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy, reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting ECOWAS across several key areas. These include promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, driving sustainable economic development, creating job opportunities, addressing health and social protection needs, and tackling climate change. She stressed that both Germany and ECOWAS share a unified vision to enhance regional integration, peace, and stability through their joint efforts.
Ms. Jansen highlighted the upcoming government negotiations between Germany and ECOWAS, which are set to further align their priorities and ensure that their collaboration remains focused on addressing the evolving needs of the region.
The meeting also included a detailed presentation on the Stabilisation and Regional Development Fund, followed by a visit to the ECOWAS Early Warning Situation Room. There, participants were briefed on various security threats affecting the region by Dr. Onyinye Onwuka, Acting Director of Early Warning at ECOWAS, along with Nanténé Coulibaly and Marcel Bossou.
As the challenges facing West Africa grow ever more complex, the strengthened partnership between ECOWAS and Germany promises a path forward, offering hope for a more secure, prosperous, and integrated West Africa.
