The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has earmarked $25 million in 2024 to combat terrorism in Nigeria, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. Fatou Sarr, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, revealed this information during a press briefing at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Ms. Sarr specified that $4 million was allocated for humanitarian efforts to address the severe impacts of terrorism and alleviate the consequences of natural disasters in the region. She emphasized the importance of humanitarian actions due to the numerous crises and displacements within the community, noting that such efforts persist even in countries facing sanctions.
In 2024, ECOWAS disbursed $9 million for internally displaced persons, refugees, asylum seekers, and the host communities across all 15 member countries. Additionally, $1 million was designated for stabilization efforts in Nigeria, focusing on terrorism victims, displaced individuals, the injured, rehabilitation, and enhancing community resilience.
Out of the $25 million fund allocated for counterterrorism efforts in Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, ECOWAS set aside $4 million for humanitarian initiatives. Ms. Sarr highlighted that in 2023, ECOWAS provided over $12.6 million in support to four million out of the 8.5 million victims of violent conflicts and disasters in West Africa.
Furthermore, she mentioned specific aid provided to the Republic of Guinea during sanctions, including support for fire disasters and floods. ECOWAS has also been actively involved in programs promoting youth development and integration through volunteerism, sports, and economic initiatives.
Ms. Sarr emphasized the role of sports in fostering unity among youths from member countries and announced collaborations with the People’s Republic of China to support entrepreneurship projects for young people in the region. The ECOWAS Gender Centre has awarded 1,720 excellence scholarships to young girls from disadvantaged backgrounds between 2010 and 2022.
Ms. Sarr revealed plans for an ECOWAS youth conference in May 2024 to assess the current situation, identify challenges, and address issues affecting the subregion.
