Rebuilding Social Cohesion and Public Trust in West Africa: Banjul Hosts the Inaugural Sahel Governance Forum
At the opening ceremony, President Barrow said that this Forum is a vital step towards redefining governance in the region. 'The Gambia is proud to host this important forum and to ensure that the benefits of lasting peace and inclusive growth are available to all Sahelians,' he added.
In his address on behalf of the ECOWAS institutions, ECOWAS Commission President H.E. Omar Alieu Touray thanked the host country, The Gambia, the United Nations Development Programme, the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA International) for jointly organising this important forum on the Sahel.
' The Forum is taking place at a particularly crucial moment when the security and governance landscape of the Sahel is undergoing profound changes. By many counts this forum provides a unique opportunity to share perspectives, foster meaningful dialogue, and co-create solutions for advancing a renewed governance agenda that prioritizes social cohesion and public trust across the Sahel region, and beyond.' said President Touray.
In his speech, he emphasised that 70 million ECOWAS citizens originate from the Sahelian states of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. Even after their official departure, ECOWAS continues to consider these three countries as part of the community. And there is strong evidence that the three countries share a similar sense of belonging to the West African community. That is why ECOWAS and the three countries have agreed that, despite their withdrawal from ECOWAS and until a new agreement is reached, the people of West Africa will continue to benefit from the achievements of regional integration over the past 50 years, particularly with regard to the free movement of people and goods in the region. In addition, the two parties have agreed to work towards establishing conditions that facilitate collaboration in the fight against terrorism.
'It is in this context that we eagerly await the results of this forum, which I am confident will include innovative strategies to strengthen social cohesion and relations between citizens and the state, as well as to advance governance through stronger democratic institutions that will promote accountability, discipline and the achievement of results,' ' added ECOWAS Commission President, H.E. Omar Alieu Touray.
It should be noted that the Sahel Governance Forum aims to establish a high-level, multi-stakeholder platform to advance a governance approach that is both holistic and tailored to the realities of the Sahel, for the benefit of governments and populations.
This forum, which brings together more than 200 political leaders, policy makers, representatives of civil society, youth and women's organisations, and development partners, is intended to be a unique space bringing together governments, political leaders, technical experts, community leaders and citizens, the private sector and international partners from the Sahel and beyond. It also aims to promote the sharing of experiences, the exchange of ideas, mutual learning, innovation in public policy, and the monitoring of commitments made to address governance challenges in the region.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Emirates 24/7
18 hours ago
- Emirates 24/7
Hamdan bin Mohammed reviews program to strengthen family ties and community values in Dubai
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, affirmed that the leadership places the highest priority on strengthening family values and fostering social cohesion, while ensuring that all necessary resources and support are made available to build a thriving and prosperous Emirati society. Reviewing the outcomes of the Sheikha Hind Bint Maktoum Family Program, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed emphasised that Dubai's development vision has always placed people at its very heart. Launched in September 2023 by the Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai to empower Emirati families and reinforce social stability through a comprehensive set of initiatives, the programme facilitates a host of benefits including avenues for psychological and social support, financial literacy, and direct assistance in meeting housing and other expenses incurred by new couples. His Highness applauded the success of the Sheikha Hind Bint Maktoum Family Program in reinforcing the foundations of social stability by supporting and empowering Emirati families through a series of integrated and high-impact initiatives. The programme aligns with the expansive vision outlined for various social empowerment programmes and their role in creating a lasting positive impact that supports the goals of the Dubai Social Agenda 33. The review of the programme is part of ongoing efforts to monitor the social empowerment agenda and ensure that various initiatives aimed at advancing those goals achieve sustainable impact in line with Dubai's strategic vision. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan said: 'The programme reflects our deep commitment to empowering our youth and supporting them in building a future that matches their aspirations. A stable family denotes a fundamental pillar in the development and progress of societies. We are committed to providing every prerequisite for young people looking to start a dignified family life – including suitable housing, financial support, enhanced employment opportunities, and expanded social care initiatives. We believe that investing in families is an investment in the nation's future, and we will continue working to provide a wholesome environment that ensures well-being and stability for all.' Praising participants in the programme, His Highness said: 'We commend the determination of the youth who have chosen to begin their family lives based on a clear foundation of awareness and responsibility – setting a proud example for a generation that knows how to shape its future through willpower, hard work, and initiative.' Remarkable impact The Sheikha Hind Bint Maktoum Family Program has contributed to a significant increase in marriage rates among Emiratis. The Dubai Weddings initiative recorded a 218% increase in participation during 2025 compared to 2024, with the number of weddings held to date exceeding 700. Marriages facilitated through the Dubai Weddings initiative accounted for 27.7% of all marriages registered in the emirate. The results also indicated that the largest demographic of beneficiaries consisted of men aged between 26–30 and women aged between 20–25. The programme also recorded an impressive 95% beneficiary satisfaction rate. The programme offers extensive education and training sessions for couples as part of efforts to ensure the long-term success of marital relationships. Among notable highlights are Start it Right, a course promoting awareness of marital rights and effective approaches to foster mutual understanding; Family Financial Culture – Dubai, which focuses on sound financial planning; and How to Build Your Home, which offers guidance on smart and viable housing decisions. Tangible solutions The programme's benefits extend beyond education, offering tangible solutions that meet real-life needs. It offers full coverage of wedding costs for both men and women when the ceremony is hosted in CDA-approved venues. It also facilitates priority access to ready-to-move-in housing through easy instalment payment schemes. Among other benefits are exclusive discounts on medical services, wedding essentials, jewellery, magazines, and travel. Another advantage comes in the form of a loyalty card under the Esaad programme that offers various community perks. There is also a remote work provision for newlywed female employees following maternity leave. Leadership's vision Her Excellency Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai, emphasised that the Sheikha Hind Bint Maktoum Family Program reflects the vision of the leadership in placing family at the core of sustainable development. She noted that strengthening Emirati families is fundamental to building a cohesive and happy society. She stated: 'The programme's achievements are a source of pride. True investment starts within the Emirati household. Seeing young families embark on a key phase of life and welcoming new members into their families under the umbrella of this initiative proves that we are creating not just statistics, but real stories of secure and thriving beginnings. 'From awareness to empowerment, and from financial to housing support, we are offering a complete ecosystem that supports families at every stage of their journey. This aligns with the goals of the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and reinforces the city's role as an ideal environment for starting a family and building a future.' Thanking Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for her generous patronage of the initiative, Her Excellency Buhumaid said: 'Dubai Weddings is more than just a scheme providing assistance – it is a gesture rooted in compassion and community spirit. 'Through this initiative, Her Highness has touched the lives of countless youths, helping them start on the path of family with confidence and clarity. This initiative brought the true essence of social responsibility to life,' she said, reaffirming the Authority's commitment to continuously enhancing the programme through strategic partnerships, positioning it as a leading model for family empowerment and sustainable social development.
Zawya
a day ago
- Zawya
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the government of Guinea-Bissau advance Phase II of assistive device initiative for children with disabilities
The Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), through its Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, has officially launched Phase II of the ECOWAS Assistive Device Programme for Children with Disabilities in Guinea-Bissau. The initiative, developed in close collaboration with national authorities, is part of a broader regional programme aimed at promoting the rights and dignity of children with disabilities, in line with ECOWAS Vision 2050 and the 4×4 Strategic Objectives. The high-level launch ceremony took place in Bissau under the auspices of the Minister of Women, Family and Social Solidarity of Guinea-Bissau, H.E. Maria Inácia Có Mendes Sanhá, who expressed her deep appreciation for the programme. Addressing the audience with conviction and emotion, the Minister stated: 'This programme is not just about devices. It is about dignity. It is about telling our children that they matter, that their rightful place in society is non-negotiable. I thank ECOWAS for this act of humanity and for reminding us that true integration begins with the most vulnerable.' She further stressed that inclusion must be a core principle of governance, not a peripheral consideration. The Minister urged for continued cooperation and broader visibility of inclusion efforts, recalling the daily challenges faced by families raising children with disabilities. Representing the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Alves D'Almada, Head of Social Affairs Division, reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to social justice and inclusive development: 'Beyond equipment, this mission empowers families, strengthens institutions, and promotes human dignity. We are here to build an inclusive future with the people of Guinea-Bissau.' Also delivering a goodwill message, Mr. João Pedro Cabral, President of the National Federation of Associations for the Defence and Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, emphasised the need to mainstream disability in public policies and highlighted the important role of community-based actors in achieving inclusive outcomes. 'It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every child with a disability is seen, heard and included. This initiative represents hope for thousands of families.' The event brought together senior representatives from sectoral ministries, civil society organisations as well as local experts. It also served as a platform for technical dialogue, field visits and institutional coordination, ensuring that the intervention is culturally grounded, technically sound and politically sustainable. Ahead of the official meeting, the ECOWAS delegation held a high-level consultation with H.E. Maria Inácia Có Mendes Sanhá, Minister of Women, Family and Social Solidarity, to ensure strategic alignment and national ownership of the initiative. The delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau to ECOWAS, represented by Mr. Julião Mané, reaffirming the spirit of interinstitutional cooperation and multilateral diplomacy that anchors this regional endeavour. More than a technical operation, the ECOWAS Assistive Device Programme stands as a political and ethical affirmation of shared regional values. By placing childhood and inclusion at the centre of its action, ECOWAS reaffirms its role as a regional organisation committed to equity, dignity and social cohesion. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Zawya
2 days ago
- Zawya
Mahama Calms Nigerians' Fears: No Mass Deportations, ‘Storm in a Teacup' Over Viral Video
President John Dramani Mahama has moved to calm fears among Nigerian nationals residing in Ghana and their government, assuring a special envoy dispatched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that there will be no mass deportations. During a courtesy call from Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who is Nigeria's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, President Mahama assured that Ghana has no intention of resorting to mass expulsions, emphasising the shared history and inter-dependence of the two countries. He reaffirmed Ghana's commitment to ECOWAS protocols, dismissing any anxieties in Nigeria over any potential mass deportation of its citizens from Ghana following the emergence of a viral video. Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu conveyed the 'anxieties' of the Nigerian people and government, citing the viral video, widespread apprehension of mass deportations, and fears of shops belonging to Nigerian traders being burned. The concerns, she noted, have led to emergency sessions in Nigeria's National Assembly and traditional rulers instructing relatives in Ghana to return home. President Mahama acknowledged the historical relations between Ghana and Nigeria, describing them as 'siblings of the same parents, and so our destinies are joined together.' He invoked past unfortunate incidents of mass deportations in both countries—Ghana in the 1960s and Nigeria in the 1980s—, stating, 'I think that that is a part of our past, and it's an unfortunate past that we want to put behind us, and I believe that none of our two countries should mass deport our citizens ever again.' 'We are members of the ECOWAS, and we have the ECOWAS protocol that allows our citizens to travel freely between our countries.' He also clarified that, although there have been isolated incidents and some individuals involved in criminal activity, such cases are addressed through proper legal procedures, not through collective punishment or mass expulsion. He stated that foreign residents in Ghana who engage in criminal activities shall be held individually liable and sanctioned. President Mahama traced the recent tensions to the resurfacing of a 2013 video featuring an 'Igbo king' discussing land acquisition for a kingdom, which was widely misinterpreted as a recent development. He dismissed this as 'a bit of a storm in a teacup,' assuring the Nigerian delegation that Ghanaian law governs the establishment of traditional councils, making such external claims impossible. Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu commended President Mahama for de-escalating a potentially volatile situation, noting that the initial fears of widespread unrest upon their arrival in Accra proved unfounded. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.
