ECOWAS PRESIDENT, CHAMBAS RECEIVES SPEAKER OF ISSUE 2, MARCH 2007 EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT COWAS is pre-occupied He identified the dearth of infra- EDITORIAL E with improving regional structure as a major constraint to infrastructure, expanding the development in the region as it The ECOWAS Commission has effectively taken off economies of Member States and distorts the implementation of the with the resumption of most of the Commissioners. We encouraging them to develop the regional Protocol relating to the have in our midst new high calibre staff who will inject capacity for exporting semi- free movement of persons, goods some dynamism and contribute to the rejuvenation of processed agricultural products to and services, a major instrument our Institution. The commissioners, some of the best improve their competitiveness in for boosting intra-regional trade CHAMBAS with MR. JOSEPH BORREL that the region has to offer, are bringing with them a the global economy, the Execu- and the economy of the region. FONTELSS variety of perspectives and experience in their diverse tive Secretary of ECOWAS, Dr In the wide-ranging discussions, areas of competence that would enrich the Commission Mohamed Ibn Chambas, said in Dr Chambas said ECOWAS was regional decision-making process in discharging its mandate of promoting the socio- Abuja. deploying its Lome-based as a mechanism for consultation economic integration of the over 230 million people of Exchanging views with Mr. Jo- ECOWAS Bank for Investment as part of the ongoing restructur- . seph Borrel Fontelles, the visiting and Development (EBID) as an ing of ECOWAS. President of the European Parlia- instrument for promoting the He said the introduction of the Of course, their arrival is coming with concomitant ment, Dr Chambas said that by physical integration of the region second currency in the region, expectations for an improved ECOWAS that is ex- improving the value added in through investments in the devel- scheduled for December 2009, is pected, not only to improve its performance, but also their agricultural exports, Mem- opment of regional infrastructure. being guided by “credible pa- fast track its programmes for the benefit of West Afri- ber States will create jobs, stimu- “Integration must be anchored on rameters” that would improve can citizens. Part of the justification for the transfor- late skills transfer and be insu- people”, he told the President fiscal and monetary management mation into a Commission, with enhanced powers, is lated from the instability in the who called on him at the of the economies of five countries that it would be more result-oriented and impact more global market for agricultural ECOWAS Commission he added that would operate the currency on the lives of our people by improving their standard exports, which impacts negatively that the ECOWAS Parliament and engender “prudent manage- of living. The challenges ahead promise to be daunting, on their economies. has been incorporated into the ment.” contd p3>> but with the wise guidance of our leaders and the determination of the commissioners, there is optimism that ECOWAS will deliver. Chambas Accredits Iranian Ambassador to ECOWAS In this Newsletter, we have highlighted not only the he Ambassador of the Islamic day, 20th March 2007, Dr. Cham- in achieving his mission to Nige- various developments since the last edition but have T Republic of Iran, Mr. Khos- bas said the gesture by the Gov- ria, Dr. Chambas expressed the also included other elements to improve staff apprecia- row Rezazadeh, has presented his ernment of Iran would not only hope that “your appointment will tion of the operations of the various departments. We credentials to the President of the reinforce the cooperation between encourage the development of have included the commissioner’s retreat in Ouagadou- ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Mo- Iran and ECOWAS but would initiatives and the realization of gou, echoes of the visit of the speaker of EU Parlia- hamed Ibn Chambas, as his coun- also further strengthen the close projects aimed at accelerating the ment to the President of the Commission, information try’s permanent representative to ties between their respective peo- pace of integration in the sub- on the new ambassadors accredited to ECOWAS as ECOWAS. ples. region, for the greater well-being well as the explanation of the new audit system. In a brief ceremony at the Com- While assuring the Ambassador of the West African people”. mission’s headquarters on Tues- of the cooperation of ECOWAS Developments in the areas of peace and security were captured in the report on the ACOTA exercise, which stimulated a regional response to a disaster. There is ECOSUITE: bringing information to your mouse by Amamata Sulaiman also an update on the activities of the ECOWAS COSUITE, a private version of Flexibility in information manage- and collaboration, breaks down Standby Force and an article that will improve staff E the Internet called intranet is ment is also gained, as information bureaucracy, improved quality of appreciation of the importance and definition of statis- confined for the use of the is just a click away. life at work and lastly improves tics as the region continues its relentless efforts to ECOWAS Commission. It was ECOSUITE lowers boundaries and productivity. improve data collection and harmonization to improve inspired by the credo that encourages information exchange, Some of the useful features that are planning. “Information is power” and de- which leads to more informed em- available in ECOSUITE are gen- ployed as a secure and effective On the life of our other Institutions, it is worth men- ployees with the ability to make eral, departmental and personal mechanism for internal information informed decisions and faster. This calendars and document folders, tioning that the Community Parliament and the Com- sharing among the staff of the Com- also contributes to increased pro- daily and monthly schedules, circu- munity Court of Justice have both elected new bureaus. mission. ductivity, leaving the staff with lars, Bulletins, general information, The take-off of the Commission has revived the spirit ECOSUITE will therefore assist the more time to spend on other impor- meetings notifications resource of staff and the expectation of donors and partners, staff to access the right information tant duties. request and allocation. ECOSUITE and we can keep this alive by working hard and re- thereby contributing to enhancing ECOSUITE has other inherent will be available for all by end of maining dedicated - always. productivity, reducing paperwork advantages including: - Improves April 2007. and saving time that would have decision-making, empower staff, Adrienne Yande Diop been spent in chasing information. encourages the culture of sharing

In This Issue

EDITORIAL ******************************************1 ECOWAS TO FIELD OBSERVERS FOR ’S APRIL POLLS *** 4 PRESIDENT RECEIVE SPEAKER OF THE EU *********1 ACOTA COMMAND EXERCISE ***************************************5 ECOSUITE—NEW INTRANET FOR ECOWAS ********1 AMBASSADORS CALL FOR FAITHFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW MODEL FOR AUDIT **********************3 PROTOCOL ON FREE MOVEMENT OF PERSONS ******************* 6 QUOTE OF THE WEEK ******************************4 FORTHCOMING EVENTS **********************************************4 ECOWAS EMERGENCY RESPONSE MECHANISM **3 ECOWAS Newsletter, Issue 2, Page 2

o f STATISTICS Department improves capacity of data l generation in member states n ica by Christopher Ajaero i o ist ly: a t at e - i z St am ul EUROTRACE, a software for the compilation of uled where a detailed presentation of PRIMA would l n l B e be made to give the institutions’ an opportunity to n a S ca ad external trade statistics. i A ns sti Tr c- Sub-regional organizations that attended a three-day evaluate the software. “ F W tio ti A CO a Sta al al d workshop in Lome have agreed to adopt PRIMA as The workshop noted the number of countries that E lic S rn n n their common software for the calculation of Con- are currently using the PRIMA software: , ub A te tio n a a- P OW Ex Na tio dic sumers Price Index (CPI). Officials of the UEMOA Maldives, Dubai and Malawi and those countries EC , s, ica In Commission, WAMI, AFRISTAT and the where it is operational: Gambia, Sudan and Uganda. tin tic bl ic le tis Pu m ECOWAS Commission, who assessed the soft- It also noted the benefits offered by the application: ta ts no ware against some technical requirements, con- great flexibility, which enables it to adapt to many S un co co -E cluded that PRIMA should be deployed as the re- situations; its amenability to forecasting and its cio gional software for the compilation of CPI capacity to be linked with multiple CPI series from So r”. The workshop, which reviewed the options for a different base periods. It can also handle multiple to common tool for the Calculation of Consumers classifications, in-depth CPI and inflation analysis The Department of Research Prices Index (CPI) held from 12 to 14 February (including core inflation) while data entry through and Sta- tistics will carry out a number 2007 at the Community Computer Centre, Lome Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) while its data of activi- ties between January and February and enabled the participating institutions to review entry module is adaptable to personalized requests. 2007. Among them are: various proposals in this regard. In addition, the software is also compatible with the Finalization of ECOWAS Statistical Publications Officials from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), latest recommendations of the ILO on CPI issues namely: ECOWAS Statistical Bulletin, External Andel Consultants, Tilburg Netherlands and HM while no serious problem pertaining to the installa- Trade Statistics, National Accounts Publication and Consultant Karachi of Paskistan, the developers of tion and functioning of the application has been Socio-Economic Indicator. the PRIMA who demonstrated its capability at the reported by user countries in the last five years of its A publication on the ECOWAS Poverty Profile was workshop were also represented. operation. The meeting noted the commitment of also finalized while the report of the study on sus- The Acting Director of the department, Mr Akou the PRIMA team to a sustainable and secured envi- tainable funding of statistics in West Africa was ADJOGOU, who represented the President of the ronment of the application, as well as the capacity to concluded. During the same period, the department Commission, opened the meeting by not only wel- adapt to new technology. provided technical support for the EPA negotia- coming the delegates but also noting the zeal among Furthermore, the meeting noted the work being tions, including meetings in Bamako and Abuja. the participants for a common software for the cal- done by the PRIMA team on core inflation for the StatBase, an online installation that facilitates gen- culation and the harmonization of CPI in the region. Bank of Ghana, as well as the availability of the eral data transmission from Member States was He said a common tool for the calculation of CPI is team to work with the region. It also took note of launched during a mission to Lome from 12th to th very important as an assurance of data quality and the fact that a consultant commissioned by the 16 February 2007. The application, which is for to accelerate the processes of harmonizing CPI in UEMOA Commission will soon start a study on the general data dissemination, was successfully in- the region. He recalled that the workshop was in renovation of the CHAPO software for the compila- stalled in the server and it can be accessed through response to the recommendation of the ECOWAS tion of CPI in UEMOA Member States and . www.statBase.ecowas.int. Technical Committee on CPI, which at its technical Statistical coordination and cooperation: The However, some identified structural problems with session in June 2006 proposed a full stakeholder department represented the ECOWAS Commission the operating system, which the developer has meeting to evaluate the software. at the 38th session of the Statistical promised to correct to enhance accessibility, has Although the developer made a brief presentation of Commission (and events to celebrate its 60th anni- hampered its smooth operations. the software during the technical session, the dele- versary) between February 23, 2007 and March 2, Another mission went to and where gates recommended that another meeting be sched- 2007 in New York. they installed and provided technical assistance on

Improving the OMC for greater effectiveness by Florence Iheme The Department of Early Warning/Observation States Agency for International Development) Capacity building (tele-video conferencing and Monitoring Centre works with Civil Soci- contract Consultant in 2006. etc.) ety to establish a functional conflict early 4) Development and field testing of the first Full implementation of the second Early warn- warning and response system for the region. Its Early Warning System module called ing system module Linking with the European specific objectives are to: ECOWARN. Union and Continental Early 1)Collect, compile, archive, manage and dis- 5) Launching the translation of the Early Warn- warning system (CEWS). tribute information. ing system module in the French language. Evaluation and adjustment. 2) Monitor socio-political, economic and other 6) Production of the Situation reports and Inci- In order to actualize the plan of action, the situations across the sub-region. And to ana- dent reports. Department has begun some programmes with lyze data as well as to articulate policy and In furtherance of the effort to build staff capac- our Partners. These include a Limited Scope preventive response options in time. ity and to contribute to the development of the Agreement with the USAID which will enable 3) Support ECOWAS’ management of acute Continental Early Warning Systems (CEWS), funding and training for OMC staff as well as situations of conflict and instability, disrup- staff of the OMC participated in some meetings the recruitment of two Senior Analysts. Other tions and disasters. during the last quarter of the 2006. These in- partnerships include those with InWEnt, ADB, 4) Document the engagement of ECOWAS’ clude one on Conflict resolution in Accra, a the African Union, and the Government of decision makers with potential conflict situa- meeting of governmental experts hosted by the Austria to provide training, equipment pur- tions and issues. African Union to discuss the Continental Early chase and some recruitment. In 2006, the Department accomplished the fol- Warning System and a seminar on Enhancing Lastly, the OMC has a new staff who is substi- lowing: Conflict Early Warning Capacity and Training tuting the P.O. Monitoring, Mr. Franck Afan- 1) The development of a web accessible data Methodologies in Africa by the Centre for Con- yakoussou, who is on a one year leave of ab- base system called the ECOWAS Peace Ex- flict Resolution in Africa. sence. Ms. Irene Ogouma’s resumption is a change. The OMC hopes to consolidate these achieve- welcome development as she joins Mrs. Flor- ence Iheme in the anticipated enlargement of 2) Identification and deployment of a network ments through the following plan of action for the number of professional female staff in the of Country monitors comprising of 15 Civil the year 2007 and 2008: Office of the Commissioner for Political Af- Society focal points and 15 State focal points Upgrade with possible additional modules; fairs, Peace and Security. in each Member State Geographic Information System (GIS) integra- 3) Mid-term evaluation by USAID ( the United tion. ECOWAS Newsletter, Issue 2, Page 3 “T h INTERNAL AUDIT: THE NEW MODEL (to serve you better) by F.N.Chukwu a e u n y d e At its sixth meeting in Dakar from 16th October Internal Auditor were annexed to the report of im- o it w u w 2006, the audit committee made some recom- the Audit Committee. a r i g il n mendations for improving the financial control The Financial Controller’s function is primarily y e si l te techanisms of the organisation and its institu- to provide an assurance to the Council that the o m d b r u e e e n tions. Among the recommendations of the com- budget of the Community Institutions under the m r n o … a mittee, subsequently approved by the 57th ses- purview are executed as intended by the Coun- a s t f l y n e , … m .b sion of the Council of Ministers held on 18 – 19 cil; that transactions are accordance with o a r a y u g v a n December 2006 in Ouagadougou are that: budgetary provisions and consistent with o r e ic t - prove the financial and administrative regula- f m e an or- ⇒ Internal Audit functions should be separated m b o tions. a es e f those of the financial controllers while the n t n financial regulations should be amended to On its part, the activities of the Internal Audit a i t, ganizations function are outlined in the Audit Charter which g n … operations. It reflect their respective roles; e te i ⇒ Internal Audit functions in the institutions defines its role primarily as: m r n helps an organi- e e zation accomplish shall be performed by Internal Auditors, 1) To carry out reviews aimed at providing an n st under the supervision of an officer with the assurance to Management and ultimately, to its t s objectives by bring- ing a ” systematic disciplined title Chief Internal Auditor; Audit Committee that: ♦ Risks that could hinder the overall achieve- approach to evaluate and improve ⇒ The Financial Controller and the Chief In- the effective- ness of risk management, ternal Auditor will be responsible for the ment of set objectives at the corporate, functional, and operational levels are prop- control and governance processes”. training and supervision of their respective The professional practice of Internal Auditing staff; erly identified, assessed and treated by man- agement using current best practice mitigat- has evolved and in the process witnessed three ⇒ The Internal Audit and the Financial Con- ing strategies; paradigm shifts; first as a reactive function and troller should have their offices in the Com- then, a proactive function and lately a coactive mission and report administratively to the ♦ Internal Control Systems instituted by man- function. This is largely a consequence of the President of the Commission; agement are adequate, strictly adhered to collapse of some high profile corporate organiza- and functioning as intended; ⇒ The Financial Controller will report to the tions such as Enron, high stakeholders’ expecta- Council of Ministers after informing the ♦ The policies, operational processes and tion and demand for probity, transparency, and Administration and Finance Committee; procedures for achieving set objectives are the subsequent advent of several corporate gov- effective, efficient and economical; ⇒ The Chief Internal Auditor will coordinate ernance codes globally to address these con- the work of Internal Auditors while the ♦ Corporate assets are adequately safe- cerns. Audit Committee will determine the organi- guarded. The internal audit function for organizations has zation of their work after the examination of 2) To provide independent counsel and consult- had to reinvent itself in order to: cope with this the Audit Plan. ing services to management as business advisors organizational dynamism; keep pace with the On the recommendation of the Audit Committee, and problem solving partner and assist in build- dynamics of the environment and the increas- the Council also adopted the Code of Conduct ing capacity through Internal Control/Risk as- ingly sophisticated technology; keep pace with for Internal Auditors and Audit Charter (which sessment training and facilitated workshops. the changing risk profile of organizations, and to spell out in broad terms, the activities of the These roles are reflected in the Institute of Inter- keep pace with increasing level of service expec- Internal Audit Function). nal Auditors (IIA) redefinition of Internal audit- tations. Consequently, internal audit methodol- The proposed structure and the key responsibili- ing “as an independent, objective assurance and ogy has also had to evolve with the old compli- ties of the Financial Controller and the Chief consulting activity designed to add value and ance method of auditing replaced Contd P6>>

The ECOWAS Emergency Response Team as a veritable tool for Peace Support Operations in West Africa. by Chima Lago The ECOWAS International Agencies to spearhead civilian par- Women groups as well as students. The team en- Emergency ticipation in Peace Support Operations, comple- couraged stakeholders to support governmental Response ment the ECOWAS Standby Force and also work and non-governmental efforts in the rehabilitation Team (EERT) in complex emergencies. and reintegration of Returnees and IDPs in the is designed as ECOWAS is presently engaged in several collabo- Community. a civilian tool rative initiatives with International partners like Some of the projects inspected by the team in- to complement UNHCR, OCHA, ICRC and in its continuing cluded schools constructed by the UNHCR, water Peace Support effort, ECOWAS participated in a joint UN Agen- projects, Community Center for training women Director of Humanitarian Affairs Mr. Operations cies mission to Taraba State, Nigeria from the 11th in skills acquisition, UNHCR rehabilitated power Olu Arowobusoye at the opening of th the workshop in Accra and Emer- to 19 of February 2007. The Objective of the generator for the Community. gency Re- mission was the assessment of UN developmental ECOWAS has several Evaluation and Assessment sponse Mechanisms in West Africa. The members efforts aimed at assisting internally displaced missions to Member States within the first quarter of the EERT located in situ, in Member States, persons (IDP’s), Refugees and Returnees to the of the year. ECOWAS will be visiting Refugees will be drawn from National NGOs and staff of Gembu Community of Taraba State which was and IDP camps in West Africa, with a view to relevant government Ministries such as Foreign previously ravaged by communal conflict. learn the situation as regards food, shelter, health Affairs, Internal Affairs and Defense e.t.c of Also, as part of peace building effort, the team care, welfare, safety and security at the Refugee ECOWAS Member States. met with top Government Officials in t and IDP camps in Liberia, Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea The EERT members will be deployable alone on he State, the Chairman of Gembu Local Govern- Bissau, and . ECOWAS missions or along side UN and other ment Area, Traditional leaders of the Community,

<< Contd p1... Chambas receives Speaker of the terim period before their merger to create a single collaboration with the region. He pledged that the currency for the region. EU Parliament would increase its collaboration European Parliament In his comments, Mr. Fontelles praised with its ECOWAS counterpart so that it can fol- The currency, the , will operate simultane- ECOWAS for its enviable contributions in the low the path trod by the EU Parliament in pro- ously with the existing CFA Franc operated by areas of peace and security and noted that the moting the integration of its Member States as an the eight countries of the Economic and Monetary European Union would have to ensure greater increasingly consultative forum. Union of West Africa (UEMOA) during an in- ECOWAS Newsletter, Issue 2, Page4

f Statistics, the Live Wire for Development by Christopher Ajaero n o tio c p fun lo ment government policies, programmes and pro- The result agenda requires clear and systematic al ve s jects for development purposes. measurement and reporting on achievement of ntr de od ce to eth Statistics as a tool is used for planning, forecast- outputs, outcomes and impact of development e s is m p- ing, decision taking, monitoring and quality con- policies and programmes using better statistics. “Th tic nd e a trol. Statistics are used and applied by state, or- Better statistics are required to appreciate the tis a ak ta les m in ganizations and individuals in every area of en- various development challenges facing Africa s cip elp ns ” deavour. Statistics is a compass for planners, and are a necessary part of the development in- rin ll h isio ty decision-makers, researchers and so on. Busi- frastructure. p wi ec ain at e d rt nesses need to take decisions on maximization National Statistical Systems (NSS): Statistical th at ce of output, minimization of input and optimiza- systems need to be reformed and strengthened, ri un op of tion of profit vis-à-vis scarce resources for many and statistical capacities need to be built in a pr ce alternative uses, consumer preferences and inten- sustainable manner if the data challenges posed fa he sifying competitions. by the result agenda are to be met. For this rea- t The central function of statistics is to develop son, the Reference Regional Strategic Frame- principles and methods that will help make ap- work (RRSF) sets out a coherent framework to propriate decisions in the face of uncertainty. build capacity in Africa and the member states. Statistics actually has a dual meaning. It may be One therefore needs information on the past to The framework provides guidance to countries used in a singular or a plural sense. In a plural guide you on the right path, to predict based on on how to improve the quality of statistics pro- sense, statistics connotes a group of numbers or a trends and reach one’s target. duced and increase their use in policy-making collection of numerical data. It could also mean a Development agenda and decision taking to enhance sustainable devel- measure of value, for instance, the mean age of In Africa, the problem is not whether statistics opment in the continent. students in a class. plays an important role in development. The The frequent use of statistics and its urgent de- In a singular sense, statistics connotes the science issue is that we have a weak statistical system mand for planning, monitory, policy making, that studies methods and procedures for collect- that needs strengthening to enable it contribute to evaluation and decision taking has compelled ing, organizing, presenting, analyzing and inter- addressing the continent’s development chal- people to be involved in one way or another in preting numerical data for useful purposes. Sta- lenges. the productions of some kind of statistics, Many tistics has applicability in day-to-day life and The creation of the African Union (AU) and the institutions in the world generate data, including activities. It could be used in a descriptive man- adoption of the New Partnership for Africa’s the national statistical office; line ministries; ner, in which case, it is concerned with the de- Development (NEPAD) demonstrated African public sector institutions e.g. central banks; pri- scription, presentation and summarization of a leaders’ commitment to tackle the problems of vate sector institutions, research and training set of data to properly describe the various fea- underdevelopment in Africa. Primarily, the ini- institutes, universities and non-governmental tures of that set of data. On the other hand, it tiatives were intended to place African countries, organizations. could be inferential in nature, where statistics is individually and collectively, on the path of sus- ii) Regional and Sub-regional Bodies concerned with drawing conclusions regarding tainable growth and development. In that regard, The role of statistics in development has com- all information of interest based on a small part Africa’s leaders committed themselves to a re- pelled regional organizations like ECOWAS to of that information. sults-based agenda focused on Poverty Reduc- engage in promoting the production of harmo- Government needs statistics to assess and moni- tion Strategy Programmes (PRSPs), the Millen- nized and consistent data by Member States; use tor the welfare of the citizenry. Statistics is re- nium Development Goals MDGs) and other na- of best practices, standards and methods; and the quired to evaluate, monitor, assess and imple- tional and sectoral development plans. adoption of international guidelines for statistical

ECOWAS Energy Programme for Presentation At Development Forum he celebrated ECOWAS Programme for im- Millennium Development Goals” to the conference. The two-day conference also shed light on energy T proving energy access in the region, particu- The white paper outlined a phased programme and and environmental issues in the context of African larly in rural and peri-urban populations, was one of investment requirements for improving energy development, discuss best practices and strengthen the highlights of a ministerial conference on access, using it as a tool to stimulate the regional the commitment of the international community to “Energy and Environment for Sustainable Develop- economy. assisting the continent deal with the challenges of ment”, which opened on Thursday, 22nd March Known as the Tokyo International Conference on these twin issues. 2007 in Nairobi. African Development (TICAD), the conference AD was initiated in 1993 by the Government of The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr identified issues and challenges as well as make Japan, which was later joined by the United Na- Mohamed Ibn Chambas, presented the ECOWAS recommendations for establishing effective and tions, the Global Coalition for Africa, the DP and white paper on “Access to Energy Services for efficient frameworks for addressing the issues of the World Bank. Rural and Peri-Urban Populations to Achieve the energy and environment in an integrated manner.

ECOWAS to Field Observer Mission for Nigeria’s Elections by Uwem Thompson

ECOWAS calls on the Nigerian inflame tensions, cause violence try to “ 'You change your steps authorities, leaders of political or undermine the credibility of appraise parties and heads of constitu- the elections. the according to the change in the tional institutions to demonstrate The Nigerian elections are im- prepara- rhythm of the drum ” the highest sense of responsibility portant not only for deepening tions for the elections. in ensuring the success of the democracy in Nigeria, but also ECOWAS was pleased with the April 2007 general elections. for consolidating the gains made reforms in the electoral laws of Ewe Proverb ; cape coast Ghana All Nigerian stakeholders should in the sub-region in the areas of Nigeria passed by the National be mindful of the high expecta- peace, stability and good govern- Assembly designed to ensure tions of West Africa, Africa and ance. credible and transparent elec- indeed the entire world in the ECOWAS wishes to recall that a tions.ECOWAS shall field an * Moral Teaching: Adapt yourself and your con- ongoing electoral process in pre-election mission led by for- observer mission during the Nigeria and desist from any ac- mer Gambian President, Sir forthcoming general elections in duct to changing circumstances and do not be tions or pronouncements likely to , was in the coun- Nigeria in April 2007. unreasonably rigid in your thinking and behaviour ECOWAS Newsletter, Issue 2, Page 5 “M B e ECOWAS PARLIAMENT LAUNCHES ITS SECOND LEGISLATURE IN u m N re b i a er A NOVEL INSTITUTIONAL SETTING Ni ge u s r a o P ; r f he ECOWAS Parliament held the inaugural Parliament from 5 to 4 years; non-residence of the g V e nd re e : th T session of its 2 legislature from 13 to 20 No- Speaker at the headquarters; reduction in the num- V s r ic P e i id i e re vember 2006 in Abuja, headquarters of the institu- ber of members of the Bureau from 16 to 5 and, a ce e a -P s n n - n ; r i e tion. At that session, the sub-regional institution laid similarly, reduction in the number of the Perma- P t e d w S d r : s e the foundations of its second legislature by electing nent Commissions. i e C id nt e s a e : its new Speaker in the person of Honourable Maha- Furthermore, the Parliament placed itself under rr V id p V n a i e e i t mane Ousmane, President of the National Assembly the obligation to fully rely on the major areas of L c nt V c : e e e of . It also passed its 2007 budget and regis- integration pursued by the Commission and the o -P : er namely: ne B d - tered the new members of the second legislature other community institutions and agencies. Thus, re e e Vice- ” s ni ; (2004 2008) who, at the opening session, collec- the functions of the 10 Permanent Commissions and Presi-. id n dent: Nige- tively, took their Oath of Office before the Execu- the 3 Special Commissions established in that re- ria; Vice-en ; President: tive Secretary of ECOWAS. gard exhaustively cover the vital development sec- ; t: It should be recalled that the key reforms resulting tors of the countries of the sub region. Vice-President: ; and from the restructuring included reduction of the life Members of the new Bureau are: Vice-President: Sierra Leone of the legislature and of the tenure of the Speaker of President: Niger and four other Vice-Presidents,

RE-ENERGIZING COMMISSION EBID The new procedure for adopting CONSULTATION Community texts consultative meeting be- trusted to a sub-committee A tween the ECOWAS Com- which suggested the creation of he establishment of the the period within which tive involvement of the mission and EBID was held in "ECOWAS Commission/EBID T Commission has led to opinions should be ex- legislators of our Member Abuja, Nigeria, on 20 February Coordination Committee". The the establishment of a new pressed, as well as the time States in the activities of 2007, presided by Mr. Jean de areas of competence of each procedure for adopting frames within which such ECOWAS. Dieu Somda. The EBID delega- Institution as well as the func- texts of the Commission. It opinions should be commu- Furthermore, with the entry tion led by its President pre- tions of this Committee were coincided with the adoption nicated. into force of the new legal sented the objectives and strate- clearly defined. This Commit- of modalities relating to the The members of the regime, supplementary acts gic plan of the Institution. He tee will ensure: effective implementation of ECOWAS Parliament give adopted by the Heads of also gave an overview of the more effective planning and Article 6 of Protocol A/ advisory opinions and for- State and Government are missions and areas of interven- implementation of Community P2/8/94 relating to the mulate recommendations no longer submitted to the tion of the Bank. During discus- programmes and projects; better ECOWAS Parliament. This on all issues relating to free national Parliaments for sion, issues relating to collabo- coordination of the financing of measure is aimed at ensur- movement of persons and ratification before their ration between EBID and Community programmes and ing the involvement of the goods, telecommunications, entry into force. BOAD, the inclusion of the projects; greater synergy in the citizens in Community energy and public health, The same thing applies to PER programme of UEMOA in activities of the two Institu- decision-making through the harmonisation of educa- regulations enacted by the the EBID strategic plan and tions; and better circulation of their representatives at the tion systems, the youth, Council of Ministers, resource mobilization were information between ail the ECOWAS Parliament. sports, science and technol- which are now binding on underscored. Also discussed Institutions and the outside The Institutions and organs ogy, human rights and Member States and on the were matters relating to risks world. of ECOWAS are required, fundamental freedoms, institutions of the Commu- and their mitigation, sector A new synergy and harmony under Decision A/ media cooperation and nity upon publication. aspects of the strategic plan and will emerge from such regular DEC…./01/06 of 12 Janu- development, the review of All these innovations have communication issues. consultation between the Com- ary 2006, to notify the the Treaty, and social inte- contributed to the speedy The two Institutions also agreed mission and its financial arm, Parliament of all drafts gration. implementation of various to reactivate the Study and Re- thereby ensuring efficacy and within the prescribed peri- This consultative role decisions concerning Com- search Standing Committee success in the effective attain- ods. This decision sets the played by the Parliament is munity projects and addi- which served as framework for ment of our common objec- modalities of providing an important development tionally to the attainment of consultation between the Ex- tives. information, the period in the decision-making regional economic integra- ecutive Secretariat and the erst- within which such informa- process of our institutions. tion objectives. while Fund. This task was en- tion should be provided and It allows for the more ac-

PAPER ON ACOTA-ECOWAS MULTINATIONAL COMMAND POST EXERCISE ACOTA-ECOWAS MNCPX by Col Boulama ommand Post Exercise (MNCPX) WACSOF. Staff and Signal C was held from 4 to 15 December The objective was to provide ECOWAS and its personnel from 2006 jointly by ECOWAS and its partner, the US Standby Force Core Task Force Headquarters the participating African Contingency Operations Training Assis- opportunity to conduct realistic Peace Support Op- countries. This tance (ACOTA) Office. It took place simultaneously erations (PSO) training at the Strategic, Operational, was led by the at the following various levels and locations: and Tactical levels and identify and develop a earmarked Signal Participants at the ACOTA command Strategic Level: ECOWAS Commission, Abuja, framework to plan and execute PSO. It was also to Squadron of the post Exercise and WACSOF (Nigeria); Operational Level: KAIPTC, Accra, exercise ECOWAS communication procedures and ESF from the (Ghana); Tactical Level: Accra, (Ghana), Benin methods while implementing a High Frequency Nigerian Armed Forces. (Located At KAIPTC-Accra), Lagos, (Nigeria), (HF) radio network within the MNCPX framework. A Strategic Cell was established at ECOWAS Com- Thiès, (Senegal), Sikasso, (). As deliverables, the series of planning conferences mission and the MNCPX trained more than 50 West Participants came from all ECOWAS Member and the MNCPX confirmed how to plan, coordinate, African officers at the highest level. States as augmentees to the ECOWAS Standby and conduct a complex and realistic multi- national Finally, the December 2006 ACOTA-ECOWAS Force (ESF) Core Task Force Headquarters. PSO training exercise. MNCPX built a solid foundation of bi-lateral train- ECOWAS MPMC Staff participated at the Strategic The Communications system was conceived, ing taking ECOWAS to the next level in meeting the Cell as well as Officers from the Police and planned, and executed successfully by ECOWAS AU Standby Force challenge to be ready by 2010. ECOWAS Newsletter, Issue 2, Page 6 Media Practitioners Meet in Abuja to Re-brand Africa’s ts oin Image by uwem Thompson h p ig the e h s th wa ds global that of it ar e m w - commu- On um s A liv “ s nd en nity and the ge v of Le e se r which ng er ou vi h d f brands Li r w n - e s a on the vari- inn nd e h d ge er ous Afri- le w Members of the high table with the candles of life ng rs can coun- i ve nd The ie 2 Inter- Some of the Participants at the Media Summit. ach tries so that they can be adapted regionally, lo- .” national Media cally or by sector. This re-branding is to serve as ed ECOWAS and the ACA should institutionalize Summit, or jointly organized by a new bridge of dialogue between Africa and the the annual Living Legends Awards dinner to ECOWAS, the African Com- entire world. promote African excellence globally. munications Agency (ACA) and the World One of the high points of the summit was the Following intensive debates on Bank, was held at the ECOWAS Commission in Living Leg- th th changing the image of Africa, it Abuja from 12 – 14 February 2007. ends Awards ECOWAS commis- sioner of Admin & was recommended, among oth- Sequel to the inaugural edition co-organized by dinner where Finance Dr. Ada ers, that African journalists must the African Union, the ACA, along with the seven living Okwousa, Nigerian th th make efforts to find, publish and Government of Ghana, from 18 to 20 Septem- legends and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mrs. Joy broadcast success stories on the ber 2006 in Accra, Ghana, the highly interactive four achievers Ogwu, Judge Julia continent. In this regard, a net- summit is a critical five-year conversation aimed were honored. sarkodie-Mensah work of African journalists, both at developing a framework which effectively Participants and Dr. Erieka Bennet. on the continent and in the Dias- projects a balanced Africa to the overreaching recommended

<< Cont’d P3 … INTERNAL AUDIT to the organization if well harnessed through proper impending risks, and immediately deploys strategies with a more sophisticated risk-based and risk-driven implementation that will clearly delineate roles to and methods for dealing with them; planning and auditing perspective. The internal audit avoid duplication and conflicts. Respected by management. An internal audit that is function can best serve the organisation by first under- Apparently, the vision of the Audit Committee is to respected by all levels of management, the operating standing the business environment. This must include build a world-class Internal audit function that can business units and the Audit Committee as valued an understanding the inherent risks in the operating serve the expectations and aspirations of top manage- business advisors capable of thinking “out-of-the-box” business environment, the business unit’s operations ment; a new internal audit that is ….by your side of and providing effective resources and solutions to and/or corporate function, the operating processes, management, …at your service of management, … business challenges; policies, procedures and service delivery. in your best interests of management; an Internal Empowerment. An internal audit that is empowered Business unit management should be provided with the Audit function that is: by the Audit Committee and Senior management and details of the results of the audit work conducted in the Objective and Independent. An intenal audit that provides leadership as experienced risk managers and unit, while senior management should also be in- provides fresh and unbiased views of the organization; value champions; formed. Proactive and Coactive. An internal audit that identi- Highly Talented. An internal audit team of highly Therefore, the Council decision on the restructuring of fies and addresses critical risks and exposures before trained and talented professionals with unique combi- the Financial Controller and the Internal Audit func- they develop into problems, shares insights gained nations of expertise and skills who constantly add tions, the adoption of the Audit Charter and the Code from experience across common business units and value to the organization; of Conduct for Internal auditors is highly commend- processes; Technology Driven. An internal audit that util- able as it is compatible with the current global best Risk-Focused. An internal audit that focuses on risk izes state-of-the-art technology to reduce risks, practice role of the Internal Auditor. and allocates time and resources accordingly. An increase productivity and continuously improve The restructuring is capable of delivering added value internal audit that develops and establishes an effec- tive “early warning” system that clearly indicates the control environment.

ECOWAS Ambassadors Call for Respect FOR Protocol on Free Movement of Persons COWAS Ambassadors, members of the of Nigeria, retired Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Ba- sector reform. They particularly expressed their E regional Mediation and Security Council, bangida and Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, Presi- appreciation to President Campaore for his con- have called on Member States to respect dent of the ECOWAS Commission who facili- tribution in brokering peace in the two Member ECOWAS Protocol on the free movement of tated the agreement between the government States. persons, good and services. and trade unions of Guinea. In addition, they congratulated Liberia on hav- They stated that integration can only be a reality The ambassadors expressed satisfaction at the ing successfully printed the ECOWAS passport when citizens can freely move and establish Ouagadougou agreement on Cote d’Ivoire and putting it in circulation in February 2007. themselves in a country of their choice without which called for direct dialogue between Presi- Similarly, they commended Niger for the first harassment, especially at border posts. dent Laurent Gbagbo and Guillaume Soro, Member State to ratify the ECOWAS Conven- Meeting at the ambassadorial level in Abuja on leader of the “Forces Nouvelles”. The agree- tion on Small Arms and Light Weapons. Tuesday, 20th March 2007, members of the ment was facilitated by the ECOWAS Chair- The ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council Council discussed the security situation in the man, President Blaise Campaore of Burkina meets at the ambassadorial, ministerial and region. They expressed satisfaction at the posi- Faso. Heads of State levels. It deals with all matters tive development in Guinea, following the ap- Concerning Guinea Bissau, the ambassadors concerning peace and security and ensures the pointment of Lansana Kouyate as consensus were informed about the meeting of the Interna- implementation of all the provisions of the Pro- Prime Minister. tional Contact Group scheduled to hold on 26th tocol relating to the Mechanism for Conflict They also congratulated the ECOWAS media- March 2007 in Lisbon, Portugal, to see the way Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peace- tion team led by the Special Envoy of the forward for the implementation of the national keeping and Security. ECOWAS Chairman and former Head of State strategy for poverty reduction and the security ECOWAS Newsletter, Issue 2, Page 7

evaluating, decision taking and good governance. - Private sector and civil society such as chambers of <

ECOWAS LAUNCHES APPEAL FOR TRAINING SUPPORT FOR REGIONAL STANDBY FORCE two-day meeting between ECOWAS and its partners April 2007 where they will coordinate their assistance for Additionally, he said a series of training needs analysis had A was held on Thursday, 15th March 2007 in Abuja to the training programme. been compiled which involves strategic, operational and discuss the funding for the training programmes being The ECOWAS Director of Peacekeeping and Security, tactical level training for the force. proposed for the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) in 2008. retired General Charles Okae, opened the meeting and Moreover, the training requirements for the police and The ESF comprises a task force of 1,500 troops deployable observed that the level of success of any peace support civilian components of the force have also been deter- within 30 days of a crisis and the main brigade of 5,000 operations depended on the credibility, equipment and mined, Gen. Okae stated. deployable within 90 days. training of the force to be deployed. Also in attendance were representatives of the three centres Representatives of Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, “It is in this regard that a full range of training programmes of excellence. the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United are being organized at the Regional Training Centres of States of America attended the meeting, a prelude to an- Excellence in Ghana, Mali and Nigeria,” he said in a state- other meeting of the partners scheduled for New York in ment at the opening

Boswell bids ECOWAS farewell by Oluwafisan Bankale although he is leaving, the British government will con- tinue its support with the posting of another liaison officer, he former British Military Liaison Officer to the Kanyirige thanked Col Boswell for his demonstrated Lt. Col. Simon Bacon T ECOWAS Commission, Lt. Col. Leslie Boswell, has commitment to ECOWAS while at the Commission and who was also at the been described as an excellent military officer who commended the British government for their support for ceremony. He charged worked tirelessly to actualize his government’s commit- ECOWAS. the staff to give more ment to the ECOWAS Commission. The ECOWAS Director of Communication, Dr. Adrienne support to the Com- At a send-off party on Friday for the officer who is leaving Diop also paid tribute to the departing officer, adding that missioner for Political after a year’s tour of duty, the ECOWAS Director of although she did not directly work with him, he has a Affairs, Peace and Peacekeeping and Security, Gen. Charles Okae, praised good reputation among his colleagues going by the gener- Security, Col. Maha- him for the swift supply of office equipment including ous compliments heaped on him at the sendoff. mane Toure to ensure Col. Boswell(R), receiving a gift from Gen Okae at the send-off computers and furniture and the recruitment of key per- The French government’s military liaison officer, Col. the success of the sonnel including the chief of staff to the ECOWAS Stand- Christian Onado, also praised Col. Boswell for his hard department. by Force (ESF). work, comradeship and team spirit. Col Boswell’s tour of duty in ECOWAS ended officially The ECOWAS chef de cabinet, Mr. William Awinador- In response, Col Boswell thanked ECOWAS and said on 27 March 2007.

© CONTACT EDITORIAL TEAM DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION ECOWAS COMMISSION 101, YAKUBU GOWON CRESCENT Publisher: ECOWAS Commission ASOKORO, ABUJA-FCT NIGERIA Editor: Dr. Adrienne Diop Members: Sunny Ugoh &Uwem Thompson Tel: (234-9) 314 7641/314 7647/ 314 4227-9 Translators: A. Aguri, M. Kane, A. Blu, M. Ly, Fax: (234-9) 314 3005/ 314 7641 F. Ngoaguani, O. Douassou Email: [email protected] Graphic Designer: Amamata Sulaiman Website: www.ecowas.int