Gambia: ECOWAS Commission Strengthens The National Early Warning Response Mechanism Of The Gambia And Liberia

The Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs held hybrid sessions. These sessions reviewed the implementation of ECOPHISM. They took place with the National Centers for the Coordination of Response Mechanisms (NCCRM) from The Gambia and Liberia. The meetings occurred on March 25-26, 2025, and March 27-28, 2025.

The goal was to improve protection and human security in both countries. Attendees included directors and staff from NCCRM, national stakeholder organizations, and ECOWAS representatives.

Dr. Sintiki Tarfa Ugbe opened both meetings. She was represented by Mr. Olatunde Olayemi, a Programme Officer. Dr. Ugbe praised The Gambia and Liberia for their Early Warning Centers. She called them models for the region.

Ambassador Miatta French commended ECOWAS for its initiative in The Gambia. She encouraged participants to stay committed to addressing protection issues. Ambassador Josephine Nkrumah's representative, Dr. Nathaniel Walker, emphasized NCCRM Liberia's commitment to its mandate.

Madam Binta Singhateh from The Gambia and Mr. Arthur Bestman from Liberia spoke next. They thanked ECOWAS for organizing the meeting. They noted that discussions would focus on child abuse, human trafficking, SGBV, youth drug dependency, disabilities, and conflict impacts.

The two-day meetings aimed to follow up on National Roadmaps for ECOPHISM implementation. They also sought feedback on a $25,000 ECOWAS grant given to each country. Both countries reported good progress in using these funds.

They completed equipment purchases and hired consultants for a Protection Risk Index Report. Plans are underway for national validation meetings on this report as well as further actions based on their National Roadmaps.