The Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, and The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) have come together to enhance cooperation on peace and security in the West African sub-region.
In a courtesy visit to the ECOWAS Commission Headquarters in Abuja on July 17, 2023, a delegation from the German Embassy and GIZ engaged in discussions with ECOWAS officials to explore areas of collaboration. The meeting covered various topics, including Organizational Development, Peace and Security, ECOWAS Election Observation Missions, the Regional Stabilization Fund, and other areas of existing and future cooperation.
The discussions also focused on supporting the ECOWAS Early Warning Mechanism, promoting women’s inclusion in peace processes, and providing assistance to the Medical Component of ECOWAS Stabilization Missions.
H.E. Madam Damtien L. Tchintchibidja, the Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission, delivered a welcome address during the meeting, highlighting the fruitful and valuable relationship between ECOWAS, the Federal Republic of Germany, and GIZ over the years. She described the collaboration as akin to a “friendship” and emphasized its significance to all stakeholders involved.
Madam Susanne Schröder, the First Secretary and Head of Cooperation of the German Embassy in Abuja, expressed her pleasure on behalf of the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany with the successful cooperation. She assured the ECOWAS Commission that GIZ is committed to sustaining progress in the collaboration. Madam Bernadette Schulz, Economist, and Senior Consultant also accompanied Madam Susanne Schröder as part of the German delegation.
The meeting served as a platform to reinforce joint efforts in promoting peace and security in the West African sub-region. The partnership between ECOWAS, the German Embassy, and GIZ is expected to foster positive impacts on the region’s stability and development.
