Latest news with #ETLS
Zawya
23-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Extraordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Council of Ministers on the Contingency Plan and Modalities on the Withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Republics of Mali and Niger from ECOWAS Holds in Accra
The Extraordinary Session of the Council of Ministers of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on the contingency plan and modalities on the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Republics of Mali and Niger from ECOWAS holds from April 22 to 23, 2025, in Accra, Ghana. The meeting, mandated by the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, is expected to consider contingency plans and separation modalities, including the impact on programs, the relocation of institutions, and the continued free movement of people and goods across the region. Welcoming delegates, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ghana, reaffirmed Ghana's dedication to the political and economic integration of West Africa. He praised the 50-year journey of ECOWAS and thanked the Authority of Heads of State and Government for entrusting Ghana with hosting the session. The meeting, he noted, is focused solely on discussing contingency plans following the formal withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. 'Though relations may be severed on paper, the realities on the ground tell a different story,' he stated, emphasising the deep cultural and economic ties that bind West Africans. Hon. Ablakwa called for wisdom, tact, and unity in navigating this sensitive period and reaffirmed Ghana's commitment to working closely with all Member States and the ECOWAS Commission to safeguard regional cohesion and the well-being of all citizens. In his speech, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, reaffirmed the Community's commitment to safeguarding its core values amid the formal withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. He noted that while these countries have benefitted from longstanding integration efforts—such as the Free Movement Protocol, ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS), and cross-sector regional development programs—their exit, effective 29 January 2025, requires a coordinated response. 'This meeting is expected to consider and agree on our future relations with the AES countries,' President Touray stated. He outlined the contingency plan developed across ECOWAS institutions, covering five critical areas: legal and institutional adjustments; market access and economic integration; peace and security cooperation; sectoral development programs; and human development, including education and health. He expressed confidence that all deliberations would be guided by the overarching goal of safeguarding the wellbeing of the region's people. H.E. Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chair of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, opened the Extraordinary Session of the Council with a call for unity and resilience as ECOWAS deliberates the unprecedented withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the regional bloc. While acknowledging the sovereignty of the departing states, Ambassador Tuggar urged Member States to remain focused on the long-term vision of regional integration and cooperation. He concluded by encouraging constructive deliberations and reaffirmed the Council's determination to protect and strengthen the ECOWAS legacy for future generations. Burkina Faso and the Republics of Mali and Niger officially withdrew from ECOWAS on January 29, 2025, following the completion of a one-year notice period. This action was taken in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Revised ECOWAS Treaty of 1993, which governs the withdrawal of membership by Member States. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Zawya
20-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) task force embarks on advocacy mission to the Gambia and Senegal
In fulfillment of his mandate to promote regional trade integration, the Chairman of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) Task Force, Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas led a high-level delegation to The Gambia and Senegal from 9 to 15 March 2025. The mission aimed to identify and mitigate obstacles that hinder intra-community trade between ECOWAS Member States. The delegation held strategic meetings with high-level political authorities, including ministers and heads of customs agencies, in order to assess the measures in place to facilitate the free movement of goods and people. At the same time, it held consultations with representatives of the private sector, aiming to understand their concerns and integrate their contributions into the process of strengthening regional trade. As part of the mission, the delegation made a field visit to the Banjul-Farafenni corridor, which crosses the Senegambia Bridge, an essential infrastructure for regional connectivity. During the discussions, critical issues related to trade transit were identified, including the difficulties faced by Gambia's ETLS-approved products in accessing the Senegalese market and the challenges posed by restrictions and harassment at the border between the two countries. In response, Dr. Chambas praised the spirit of cooperation and fraternity that characterizes relations between The Gambia and Senegal, reflected in the regular meetings of the Gambia-Senegal Joint Commission. He stressed the need to strengthen dialogue and implement concrete solutions, urging both sides to accelerate the automation of border customs posts and operationalize the Interconnected System for the Management of Goods in Transit (SIGMAT) in order to streamline and strengthen the efficiency of trade flow between the two states. Additionally, Dr. Chambas recommended the establishment of an instant alert mechanism to promptly address trade disruptions, enabling a coordinated and effective response between road operators and competent authorities. The mission culminated with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the ETLS Task Force and the authorities of The Gambia and Senegal, representing a significant step forward in the consolidation of regional trade integration in the ECOWAS space. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
