Promoting Peace in West Africa
PANA—Regional technical experts have suggested the amendment of the existing instruments for promoting peace and security in West Africa so they will reflect the dynamics in the region, according to an ECOWAS statement made available to PANA here Wednesday.
The suggestion was made after a two-day meeting of regional technical experts on political affairs, peace and security in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, Tuesday.
The second meeting of the ECOWAS Technical Committee of Experts on Political Affairs, Peace and Security, comprising Directors of Political Affairs in the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Member States, said the changes should be proposed by the ECOWAS Commission for consideration at a special session of the committee.
Among the instruments to be affected are the Protocols on the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping and Security as well as the supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
The Committee, which was created in December 2006 as an advisory body to the Mediation and Security Council, also recommended that Member States ratify the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons, their Ammunition and other Materials in order to stop the illegal control of arms, which has been fuelling conflicts in the region.
The Convention was adopted by regional leaders during their June 2006 Summit in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, to regulate the importation and manufacture of these categories of weapons that have been blamed for the crises in the region.
The technical committee also adopted a five-point terms of reference which defines its mandate in supporting the work of the ministers of the Mediation and Security Council.
At the opening of the meeting 3 Sept., the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Col. Mahamane Toure, praised the Chairman of the Authority of the Heads of State and Government, President Blaise Campaore of Burkina Faso, for his leadership and commitment during this decisive and challenging phase in the life of the region.
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