The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has committed $9 million to support refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and stateless individuals across its member states.
This announcement came during the 2024 ECOWAS Ambassadors Retreat held in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The retreat, co-organized by UNHCR, focused on strengthening protections for displaced people and finding solutions to forced displacement in the region.
The $9 million allocation will be distributed among member states, with Nigeria receiving $1 million specifically to assist victims of terrorism in the Northeast. This funding aims to address the growing humanitarian crisis caused by violence, political instability, and climate change.
A key challenge highlighted at the retreat was the recent withdrawal of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS due to the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). These countries host a significant number of refugees and IDPs, making regional cooperation crucial in addressing their needs.
Professor Fatou Sow Sarr, ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, emphasized the importance of collaboration between stakeholders. She noted that contributions from partners, like UNHCR, are essential for the success of various aid projects.
Representatives from both ECOWAS and UNHCR spoke about ongoing efforts in the region, including the release of funds and joint field assessments planned for refugee and IDP camps. Additionally, they discussed long-term solutions like working towards permanent residency for refugees and policies to abolish statelessness.
The retreat concluded with a commitment from ECOWAS and UNHCR to continue working together to provide crucial support for displaced populations across West Africa.
