Latest news with #ECOWAS
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) strengthens its strategy to make West Africa a world tourist destination of choice
ECOWAS Commission has launched a four-day technical meeting on the 8th of July,2025 in Cotonou, Benin. This meeting brings together experts from Member States to examine six draft classification standards for tourist accommodation establishments. The standards, drawn up on the basis of various workshops organised as part of the ECOWAS tourism policy (ECOTOUR), concern hotels, motels, inns, ecolodges, aparthotels and holiday villages. The event is jointly organised by the private sector and industry directorates. In her opening speech, the Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs Massandje Toure-Litse, represented by the Director of the Private Sector, Dr Tony Luka Elumelu, recalled ECOWAS's ambition to make tourism a major lever for economic development and regional integration. She affirmed that the region is striving to build a flourishing tourism industry, drawing on international best practice adapted to the West African context, with the aim of making it a world tourist destination of choice. She emphasised that this strategy is based on five closely linked pillars: strengthening infrastructure, including investment in transport, accommodation and tourist attractions; relaxing regional visa policies for third-country nationals to improve accessibility, streamline procedures and foster greater people-to-people diplomacy; the harmonisation of sectoral standards and regulations to facilitate travel, trade and enhance the overall tourism experience; the promotion of sustainable tourism practices that ensure an environmentally friendly, socially responsible and economically viable industry; and collaboration and partnerships between stakeholders in the sector to pool expertise, share knowledge and develop effective solutions to common challenges. She stressed the importance of implementing a coherent, collaborative and sustainable approach to tourism in order to stimulate national economies, strengthen cultural exchanges and ensure the sustainability of the sector. In reaffirming the Commission's commitment to responsible tourism practices, she emphasised the need to minimise the negative impacts of tourism on the environment, local cultures and host communities, and stressed the importance of implementing a coherent, collaborative and sustainable approach to tourism in order to stimulate national economies, strengthen cultural exchanges and ensure the sustainability of the sector. In reaffirming the Commission's commitment to responsible tourism practices, she emphasised the need to minimise the negative impacts of tourism on the environment, local cultures and host communities. The Director General of the Standards Agency of the Republic of Benin, Mohamed Nazif El-Hadji Alassane, representing Benin's Minister of Trade and Industry, Mrs Alimatou Shadiya Assouman, welcomed ECOWAS' efforts to harmonise standards and regulations in the tourism sector. He stressed that this will help to transform the region into a single tourism market, while boosting tourism, employment and public revenue, with positive spin-offs for the economies of Member States. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Zawya
2 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) permanent representatives committee confers with the commissioner of political affairs, peace and security
The Standing Committee on Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the ECOWAS Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) conferred with the ECOWAS Commission's Commissioner of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah on the 10th of July 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria. Discussions centred on ways of consolidating the existing collaboration between the PRC and the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security as well as the enhancement of strategic information flow and implementation of decisions by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. Led by His Excellency Musa Sani Nuhu, the Permanent Representative of Nigeria to ECOWAS, the Ambassadors expressed great appreciation to the Commissioner and the Department for the strong and close partnership in working together over the last three years on matters of peace and stability in West Africa. On his part, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah congratulated the Sierra Leonean High Commissioner, His Excellency Julius Sandy on his country's ascension to Chairmanship of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government and noted that the need for constant interactions with the ambassadors cannot be overemphasised. The Commissioner who was flanked by the Director, Peace Keeping and Regional Security (DPKRS) Dr. Cyriaque Agnekethom, Gen. Mactar Diop, Chief of Staff of the ECOWAS Standby Force and staff of the Department stressed that high-pitched attention will continue to be paid to the work of the Department owing to its strategic role in providing responses to core issues of sustainable peace, security, stability and regional integration. He further harped on the need to have an organic and structured way of feeding into the decision-making processes that are also binding on stakeholders, similar to the arrangements at the United Nations and the African Union. 'There is a need to think regionally. We need that two-way communication between the Department and Member States. How do we contribute as a Department to make sure that the PRC achieves its goals. The forum is therefore something to embrace as it creates an avenue to exchange ideas for the benefit of our region' The Commissioner added. Members of the Permanent Representatives assured the Department and ECOWAS of their continuous cooperation to move the region forward Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
CTV News
3 days ago
- Politics
- CTV News
Trump administration has floated deporting third-party nationals to Africa. Here's what we know
Liberia's President, Joseph Boakai, left, and Nigeria Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, right, pose for a photo, prior to the start of the ECOWAS meeting, in Abuja, Nigeria, July 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Olamikan Gbemiga) DAKAR, Senegal — South Sudan has accepted eight third-country deportees from the U.S. and Rwanda says it's in talk with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump on a similar deal, while Nigeria says it's rejecting pressure to do the same. Although few details are known, these initiatives in Africa mark an expansion in U.S. efforts to deport people to countries other than their own. The United States has sent hundreds of Venezuelans and others to Costa Rica, El Salvador and Panama but has yet to announce any major deals with governments in Africa, Asia or Europe. While proponents see such programs as a way of deterring what they describe as unmanageable levels of migration, human rights advocates have raised concerns over sending migrants to countries where they have no ties or that may have a history of rights violations. Last year, U.K. Supreme Court ruled that a similar plan to deport rejected asylum-seekers to Rwanda was illegal. Trump meets with West African leaders Earlier this week, Trump held a summit with five West African leaders in the White House, which highlighted the new transactional U.S. policy towards the continent. Trump discussed migration with the leaders of Liberia, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania and Gabon, including the need for countries to accept the return of their nationals who do not have the right to stay in the U.S., as well as the possibility of accepting deported nationals of third countries. U.S. border tsar Tom Homan told the media Friday that the Trump administration hopes to forge deals with 'many countries' to accept deported migrants. 'If there is a significant public threat or national security threat — there's one thing for sure — they're not walking the streets of this country. We'll find a third, safe nation to send them to, and we're doing it," he said. What African leaders are saying Liberian President Joseph Boakai told media in Liberia on Friday that third-country nationals were discussed but that Trump had not directly asked Liberia to accept such deportees. 'They're not forcing anybody, but they want us to know that this is the concern they have, and they are asking how can we contribute, how can we help?' he said. President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea Bissau said Trump discussed the topic during the summit, but did not specifically ask for the African nations to agree to accept deportees. Other West African governments did not reply to a request for comment. Nigeria's Foreign Minister Yussuf Tuggar, meanwhile, said such conversations were being held between U.S. representatives and several African countries, though he declined provide details. He said late Thursday that Nigeria would not bow to what he described as pressure to accept third-country deportees, saying the country had enough problems of its own. What's in it for African countries Experts say some African countries may seek to facilitate U.S. deportation programs in order to earn good will in negotiations over tariffs, cuts in U.S. aid or visa restrictions that have hit several African countries in recent months. Beverly Ochieng, an analyst at the security consulting firm Control Risks, said countries may want to reach a migrant deal to avoid a situation 'where they lose access to the U.S. economy or economic initiatives and bilateral relations.' Those factors are especially important, 'in light of the withdrawal of developmental aid,' Ochieng told The Associated Press. What has been done so far So far, the only African country to accept third-country deportees from the U.S. has been South Sudan, which accepted eight deportees with criminal convictions, only one of whom was from South Sudan. It is unclear what deal may have been struck between the two countries. The South Sudanese Foreign Ministry has declined to answer questions. Alan Boswell, the Horn of Africa program director at the International Crisis Group think tank, said the South Sudan would have 'a number of reasons to want to placate a Trump administration, be that avoiding visa bans, warding off more sanctions against its elite, or generally trying to curry favor.' The decision has drawn criticism from South Sudanese civil society and some members of government. 'South Sudan is not a dumping ground for criminals,' said Edmund Yakani, a prominent civil society leader in the country. Homan, the U.S. border tsar, said Friday he was unsure of the situation of the eight men, saying they were no longer in U.S. custody. Rwanda's foreign minister told the AP last month that talks were under way with the U.S. about a potential agreement to host deported migrants, without providing details. The U.S. State Department declined to comment on a potential deal. Rights groups have long criticized Rwanda for their human rights record, especially the deaths in Rwandan custody of some perceived government critics. The U.K. struck a deal with Rwanda in 2022 to send migrants who arrive in the U.K. as stowaways or in boats to the East African country, where their asylum claims would be processed and, if successful, they would stay. But the plan was stalled by legal challenges and criticized by human rights groups. ___ Monika Pronczuk, The Associated Press
Zawya
4 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Civil Society Leaders Applaud Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio's Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Chairmanship, Present Honorary Plaque
A cross-section of members of the West Africa Civil Society Network, Sierra Leone Chapter, has paid a courtesy call on His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio to extend a message of goodwill and offer their congratulations on his recent election as Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government. Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Thematic Lead for Education in the Sierra Leone Chapter, Mr. Alphonso Manley, conveyed the network's admiration and support for President Bio's leadership. 'Your Excellency, we are here today to congratulate you on your election as Chairman of ECOWAS. We want to assure you of our full commitment and readiness to work side by side with you during your tenure in achieving your objectives,' he stated. Presenting a plaque in honour of the President's dedication and commitment to elevating Sierra Leone's global standing, the Chairman of the Sierra Leone Chapter, Mr. William Sao Lamin, expressed appreciation on behalf of civil society. 'Today, on behalf of the Civil Society Network, we present this plaque as a symbol of your dedication and commitment to service. You have positioned Sierra Leone on the global map, and we are proud of your leadership,' he remarked. In his response, President Bio thanked the delegation for their kind gesture and noted the significance of collective achievement. 'I wish to express my profound gratitude for this congratulatory message. This is a collective celebration of what we can accomplish when we build synergy and work together as nations. It has always been my promise to raise Sierra Leone to greater heights, that's why today we lead ECOWAS and have a membership of the United Nations Security Council,' the President stated. He emphasized that such milestones are the result of shared national vision and belief, adding: 'This is a fulfilled promise to my country.' President Bio also used the occasion to encourage civil society organizations to serve as goodwill ambassadors for Sierra Leone. 'We should all be proud as a nation and promote the positive image of Sierra Leone. There is so much happening that should give us hope. As long as we continue to work together as partners in development, we will move this country forward. Your congratulations today are for all of us. Wherever I go, I will represent you and continue to inspire you and many others,' he concluded. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.
Japan Today
4 days ago
- Politics
- Japan Today
Many Liberians take offense after Trump praises their leader's English
FILE - Liberia's President Joseph Boakai poses for a photo, prior to the start of the ECOWAS meeting, in Abuja, Nigeria, July 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Olamikan Gbemiga, File) By MARK MENGONFIA, MONIKA PRONCZUK and WILSON MCMAKIN U.S. President Donald Trump's praise of the 'beautiful' English of Liberia's President Joseph Boakai drew confusion Thursday in the English-speaking African country and umbrage over what many considered condescending remarks. 'Such good English,' Trump said to Boakai during an event at the White House, with visible surprise. 'Such beautiful English.' Although English has been the official language of Liberia since the country's founding in the 1800s, Trump asked Boakai where he had learned to speak the language 'so beautifully,' and continued as Boakai murmured a response. 'Where were you educated? Where? In Liberia?' The exchange took place Wednesday during a meeting in the White House between Trump and five West African leaders, amid a pivot from aid to trade in U.S. foreign policy. Boakai's government said it took no offense at Trump's remarks, but other groups in Liberia described the remarks as an insult. The White House declined to comment on whether Trump was aware that English was Liberia's official language. Massad Boulos, the president's senior adviser for Africa, stressed that Trump 'actually complimented the language skills of the Liberian president,'' and that everyone at the meeting was 'deeply appreciative" of the president's time and effort. Liberia has had deep ties with the United States for centuries, stemming from the drive to relocate freed slaves from the United States. Liberian Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti said on X that 'President Trump's comment on Boakai's 'beautiful English' simply acknowledged Liberia's familiar American-rooted accent and no offense was taken.' 'Our linguistic heritage is deeply American‑influenced, & this was simply recognized by @realDonaldTrump. We remain committed to strengthening Liberia‑U.S. ties, built on mutual respect, shared values, and meaningful partnership,' the minister said. Foday Massaquio, chairman of Liberia's opposition Congress for Democratic Change-Council of Patriots, said the remarks exemplified Trump's lack of respect for foreign leaders, particularly African ones. 'President Trump was condescending, he was very disrespectful to the African leader," Massaquio said, adding that it 'proves that the West is not taking us seriously as Africans.' For many observers, Trump's comments added to the sense of alarm and even betrayal over cuts in U.S. aid to the African country. The decision by U.S. authorities earlier this month to dissolve theU.S. Agency for International Development sent shockwaves across Liberia. American support previously had made up almost 2.6% of the gross national income, the highest percentage anywhere in the world, according to the Center for Global Development. Liberians thought they would be spared from Trump's cuts because of the countries' close relationship. Their political system is modeled on that of the U.S., along with its flag. Liberians often refer to the U.S. as their 'big brother.' Liberia was one of the first countries to receive USAID support, starting in 1961. The street signs, taxis and school buses resemble those in New York. 'Liberia is a long standing friend of the USA, therefore Trump should have understood that we speak English as an official language,' said Moses Dennis, 37, a businessman from Monrovia. Siokin Civicus Barsi-Giah, a close associate of former President George Weah, echoed the notion that Trump should have known that Liberians speak English. 'Liberia is an English speaking country,' he said. 'Former slaves and slave owners decided to organize themselves to let go of many people who were in slavery in the United States of America, and they landed on these shores now called the Republic of Liberia.' For him, the exchange was 'condescending and ridiculing," and he said: 'Joseph Boakai was not praised. He was mocked by the greatest president in the world." Some observers, however, said that they believed Trump's remarks genuinely were intended as praise. 'To some, the comment may carry a whiff of condescension, echoing a long-standing Western tendency to express surprise when African leaders display intellectual fluency,' said Abraham Julian Wennah, a researcher at the African Methodist Episcopal University. But if one looks at 'Trump's rhetorical style,' the remarks were 'an acknowledgment of Boakai's polish, intellect, and readiness for global engagement,' he said. ——— AP writer Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed. © Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
