4th December 2022, Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria
FINAL COMMUNIQUE
- The Sixty-Second Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government
of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was held on 4 December
2022 in Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria, under the chairmanship of H. E. Umaro Sissoco
Embalo, President of the Republic of Guinea Bissau, and Chair of the Authority. - The following Heads of State or their duly mandated representatives participated in the
Summit:
H.E. Alassane Ouattara, President of the Republic of Cote d’voire;
H.E. Adama Barrow, President ofthe Republic of The Gambia
H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana;
H.E Umaro Sissoco Embalo, President of the Republic of Guinea Bissau
H.E. Muhammadu Buhari, Presidentof the Federal Republic of Nigeia;
H.E. Macky Sall, President of the Republic of Senegal;
H.E. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone;
H.E. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe, President of the Togolese Republic;
H.E. Aurelien A. Agbenonci, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Benin;
H.E. Dr. Rui Alberto De Figueiredo Soares, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cabo Verde;
H.E. Youssouf Mohamed El Mouctar, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Niger;
H.E. Henry B Fahnbulleh, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Liberia.
- The session was also attended by:
H.E. Omar Alieu Touray, President of EcoWAS Commission;
H.E. Mahamadou Issoufou, former President of the Republic of Niger, and ECoWAS
Mediator for Burkina Faso;
H.E. Boni Yayi, former President of the Republic of Benin, and ECoWAS Mediator for
Guinea
H.E. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,
and ECOWAS Mediator for Mali;
Mr.El Ghassam Wane, Special Representativeof the United Nations Secretary General
in Mali and Head of MINUSMA;
Ms. Giovanie Biha, Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary
General for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS). - At the opening ceremony, H.E. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission
delivered a statement. H.E. Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria thereafter delivered a welcome statement followed by H. E. Umaro Sissoco
Embalo, President of the Republic of Guinea Bisssau and Chairperson of the ECOWAS
Authority of Heads of State and Government who delivered the opening address. - The Heads of State and Government took note of the 2022 Report of the President of the
ECOWAS Commission, the Reports of the 49th Ordinary Meeting of ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council and the 89″ Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers. They expressed satisfaction with the quality of the reports and the pertinence of the recommendations contained therein, the thrust of which relate to integration programs, regional peace and security, and institutionalmatters - The Heads of State and Government reaffirmed their firm political will to further boost the regional integration process by pooling their efforts towards the socio-economic development of West Africa in an environment of peace and security, and good governance.
- Reaffirming their commitment to deepening the integration process in West Africa, the
Heads of State and Government, after deliberations, endorsed the main
recommendations contained in the different reports, and then considered the following
specific issues:
A. ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF REGIONAL
INTEGRATIiON PRIORITY PROGAMMES - The Authority takes note of the economic situation of the Community
characterized like other regions of the world by a slowdown in growth
and rising inflationary pressures due mainly to ripples of the covID-19 pandemic, the war
in Ukraine and developments in China. It further commends the bold measures
and remarkable efforts of Member States in dealing with the adverse economic situation. - In this regard, the Authority urges Member States to persevere in their efforts to build
more resilient economies, particularly by pursuing structural reforms and ensuring
diversification of economies. - The Authority commends the President of the ECOWAS Commission for developing the
four (4) pillar Strategic Objectives as a blueprint for strengthening ECOWAS Institutions
and directs the Commission to strategise and mobilise the needed resources to finance
key priority projects.
On the Single Currency - The Authority takes note of the conclusions of the meeting of the Ministerial Committee
on the Single Currency Program of ECOWAS and commends it for the efforts deployed in
the search for a consensus on the definition of “majority” within the framework of the
Convergence and Macroeconomic Stability Pact among ECOWAS Member States. - Summit instructed the Ministerial Committee to pursue the search for consensual
solutions on all outstanding issues witha view to creating harmonious conditions for the
launching of the ECO.
On the Common External Tariff
- The Authority notes with satisfaction the activities undertaken by the Commission and
Member States towards the creation of a common market in West Africa. - The Authority adopts the draft Regulation extending the period of implementation of the
ECOWAS Supplementary Protection Measures of the Common External Tariff for another
five (5) years.
B. ON PEACE, SECURITY AND DEMOCRACY - 15, The Authority reaffirms its commitment to the promotion of peace, security and stability
in the region as prerequisites for the economic development and integration of the region. - The Heads of State and Government reaffirm the inextricable link between the
consolidation of peace and security and the harmonious economic development of the
region. They reiterate their commitment to the promotion and defence of the principles
of democracy, good governance, peace and security as contained in the relevant ECOWAS
texts.
On Combating Terrorism
- The Authority expresses grave concern about the worsening regional security situation
due to the recurrence and expansion of terrorist attacks and their humanitarian
consequences. In particular, it expresses deep concern over the security situation in
Burkina Faso and its possible consequences on the coastal countries and thus calls for
urgent measures to support Burkina Faso in its efforts to counter terrorist attacks in the
country. - The Authority underscores the urgent need to accelerate the implementation of the
ECOWAS 2020-2024 Priority Action Plan to eradicate terrorism, through improved
resource mobilisation and strengthening of the region’s operational and logistical
capacities to effectively combat the scourge. - The Heads of State and Government reiterate their commitment to the effective
implementation of the ECOWAS 2020-2024 Priority Action Plan, as adopted at their 56th
Ordinary Session held in Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria on 21 December 2019. To this
end, they undertake to urgently pay their contributions of one (1) billion US dollars to the
regional counter-terrorism fund established for this purpose - The Authority further emphasises the urgent need for more effective coordination and
structured harmonisation of the different counter-terrorism initiatives in the region, under
the leadership of the ECOWAS Commission, to create more synergies and pool available
resources. - The Authority further decides to:
a. instruct the Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff to urgently study and propose the
options, modalities and financial and technical means for the urgent operationalisation
of the ECoWAS Standby Force, including a special kinetic operation to combat
terrorism
b. instruct the President of the Commission to take appropriate measures to ensure
effective political and operational coordination among the different regional counter-
terrorism initiatives to strengthen the fight against terrorism
C. further instruct the President of the Commission to engage civil society and the private
sector for the mobilisation of additional resources through awareness programmes and
advocacy to combat terrorism in the ECOWAS region
d. mandate the President of the Commission to take the necessary measures to support
the two designated ECOWAS Champions, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo,
President of the Republic of Ghana and H.E. Mahamadou Issoufou, former President
of the Republic of Niger, in their efforts to mobilise resources, including own resources,
for the implementation of the Action Plan.
on Unconstitutional changes of Government
- The Authority reaffirms its strong condemnation of unconstitutional changes of
government and underscores the urgent need for collective action to entrench democracy
and promote stability in the region. - The Authority reaffirms its determination to scrupulously enforce the principle of ‘Zero
tolerance for power obtained or maintained by unconstitutional means’ and to apply
without exception the severest of sanctions for non-compliance. - To this end, in accordance with the instructions issued at its 61″ Ordinary Session held in
Accra, Republic of Ghana on 3 July 2022, the Authority directs the President of the
Commission to continue discussions with Member States and if need be, with other
stakeholders, with a view to reaching consensus on outstanding issues, to finalise the
revision of the 2001 Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. The
Authority further directs the President of the Commission to submit the draft revised
Supplementary Protocol at its next session. - The Authority also decides to set up a regional force whose mandate will include the
restoration of constitutional order where they are threatened in the subregion.
On the Humanitarian Situationin the Region - The Authority expresses deep concern at the worsening humanitarian situation in the
region due to terrorism, climate change, deficits in agricultural production and the war in
Ukraine. The Authority instructs the Commission to strengthen the response to address the humanitarian crisis, particularly among vulnerable populations and their host communities.
- The Authority further instructs the Commission to work with partners to address the
existing challenges and limitations to humanitarian access in conflict situations and
enhance the climate resilience agenda to address the severe flooding in the region due to
climate change.
On Transition Processes in the Region
- The Authority was briefed by the ECOWAS Mediators on the transition processes in Burkina
Faso, Guinea and Mali. The Heads of State and Government commended the Mediators for
their commitment, which has led to the positive results from in their discussions with the
transition authorities in the three Member States and for the quality of their reports. The
Authority took note of the recommendations made by the Mediators. - On Burkina Faso, the Authority takes note of the commitment of the new transition
authorities to respect the 24-month transition timetable already agreed upon with
ECOWAS, leading up to elections in July 2024, in an improved security climate. The
Authority also welcomes the commitment of all the stakeholders in Burkina Faso to
support the transition process. - The Heads of State and Government welcome the signing of the Memorandum of
Understanding between Burkina Faso and ECoWAS on the establishment of the
Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanism of the 24-month transition timetable in the country
and encourage the authorities to work with the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation
Mechanism and ECOWAS for a successful transition. - Regarding the humanitarian crisis, the Authority expresses deep concern over the
increasingly fragile humanitarian situation and expresses solidarity with the people of
Burkina Faso affected by this humanitarian crisis. In view of the seriousness of the
humanitarian crisis, the Authority instructs the President of the Commission to take
urgent measures to support Burkina Faso. - The Authority expresses concern on the security situation in Burkina Faso and urge
member states of ECOWAS, the African Union and the international community to support
Burkina Faso to address the security challenges facing the country. However, the
Authority insists that all efforts must be made to ensure that support to Burkina Faso does
not lead to the uncontrolled proliferation of arms in the country and the subregion. - Furthermore, the Authority calls on bilateral and multilateral partners to continue to pay
particular attention to the humanitarian response and support the efforts and initiatives
of the Government of Burkina Faso.
Version V.3 - On Guinea, the Authority welcomes the consolidated 24-month transition timetable
covering the ten (10) priority issues for the transition authorities, jointly developed with
ECOWAS experts - The Authority insists that the implementation of the 24-month transition timetable
must start immediately, and not at a later date. - The Authority strongly urges Guinean authorities to conduct a national dialogue that
includes all political actors without exception, and to guarantee the security and freedom
of all participants. - The Heads of State and Government express their support for the dialogue and willingness
to facilitate it in their own countries, if need be. - The Authority instructs the ECOWAS Commission to support an inclusive national dialogue
and calls on international partners to support the transition process with the necessary
material, financial and technical resources. - The Authority instructs the President of the Commission to monitor compliance with
decisions on Guinea and to propose to the Chair the gradual lifting of the economic and
financial sanctions imposed on the Guinean transition authorities. - On Mali, the Authority notes with satisfaction that the transition process is on course and
that the transition authorities have made progress with the establishment of a Joint
Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanism of the transition timetable comprising the
government, ECOWAS, AU, UN, the ECOWAS Mediator, a Steering Committee and a
Technical Committee. - The Heads of State and Government instruct the ECOWAS Commission to support the
Malian authorities, together with the AU and the UN, to convene a meeting with financial
and technical partners to mobilise the requisite resources to address the socio-political
and security challenges to ensure that the 2024 transition deadline is met. - Despite the above, the Authority expresses serious concern over the weakening of
MINUSMA, with the withdrawal of some troop contributing countries from the mission and
calls for the reinforcement of the personnel and mandate of MINUSMA to enable it to
effectively deliver on its mandate. - The Authority recall and commend the various diplomatic efforts deployed by ECOWAS
and individual member states as well as the United Nations in order to secure the release
of the 46 Ivoirian Soldiers detained in Mali. - The Authority calls on the Malian Authorities to respond positively to the various calls for
the release of the soldiers.
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On Peace Support Operations in the Region
- The Authority welcomes the contribution of the Peace Support Missions deployed by
ECOWAS, paticularly the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG) and the Stabilisation
Support Mission in Guinea Bissau (SSMGB). - The Authority decides to extend the mandate of ECOMIG for a further year from 1″ January
2023 and instructs the Commission to consider, within that period, a gradual downsizing
of the Mission and commence the training and reorientation of The Gambia Defence and
Security Forces to enable them to play their constitutionally assigned roles in a
democratic dispensation. - The Authority urges the Gambian Government to diligently implement the Security Sector
Reforms (SSR) and instructs the Commission to ensure that the ECOMIG Force
composition reflects a balanced regional outlook comprising troops from the ECOWAs
Member States beyond the current countries participating in the Mission.
On ECOWAS Declaration on the Reform of the United Nations Security Council - The Authority of Heads of State and Government, considering the Ezulwini Consensus,
the Sirte Declaration, the Common Africa Position (CAP), the Progress Report of the
Committee of Ten on the Reform of the United Nations, under the coordination of
Sierra Leone, and all related initiatives which consider the principles, objectives and
ideals of reforming the United Nations for a fairer world based on universalism,equity regional balance, and ensures Africa’s legitimate rights to a fair and equitable
geographical representation, adopts the Abuja Declaration on the Reform of the United
Nations Security Council and calls for the allocation of two (2) permanent seats to Africa
with all the attendant privileges, including the right of veto, and five (5) non-permanent
seats on the Security Council.
C. INSTITUTIONAL MATTERS
Swearing-in of the President of the ECOWAS Commission and other Statutory
Appointees in Community Institutions - The Authority witnessed the swearing-in of the new President ofthe ECOWAS Commission,
Dr Omar Alieu Touray and congratulates him on his appointment. - The Authority takes note of the swearing-in of the Vice President of the Commission,
Commissioners, the Auditor General, other Statutory Appointees of GIABA and WAHO as
well as the Chairman of ERERA.
S1. It equally congratulates all other Statutory Appointees and encourages them to continue
to drive the cause of regional integration and development in their respective Institutions.
Version V.3 - The Authority directs the President of the Commission to fast-track the implementation of
regional integration programmes and projects.
D. INTERNATIONAL coOPERATION - The Authority expresses its gratitude to all development partners of ECOWAS for their
support to the consolidation of peace, security and regional integration in West Africa.
ECOWAS PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE - The Authority presented the EcoWAS Prize for Excellence, as adopted by Decision
A/DEC.2/06/17 laying down the criteria and procedures for awarding the ECOWAS Prize for
Excellence. The ECOWAS Prize for Excellence seeks to recognise excellence and honour
individuals or legal entities who, through their activities, initiatives, creativity and
services, have immensely contributed to the promotion of regional integration, peace and
socio-economic development in the ECOWAS region. - H.E. Umaro Sissoco Embalo, President of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau and Chair of the
ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government presented the ECOWAS Prize for
Excellence to the award winners as follows:
H.E. Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara GCMG of The Gambia received posthumously the
Honorary Award for Eminent Persons, for his leadership and immense contribution
to the promotion and restoration of peace in the sub-region and in the world. It was
during Sir Dawda Jawara’s tenure as Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and
Government (1989-1990 and 1991-1992) that ECOMOG was established to restore peace
in Liberia and Sierra Leone in the 1990s.
Mr Tony O. Elumelu of Nigeria received the Award for Deserving Citizens of the
Community, for his rich contribution to the development of the private sector in the
region, his philanthropic activities, and his support for African entrepreneurship
through mentoring of young entrepreneurs, leading to the wealth and job creation in
the region.
Mr Akinwande Oluwole Babatunde Soyinka of Nigeria, popularly known as Wole
Soyinka, received the Award for Science and Technology, Arts and Literature, sub-
category Literature (Poetry), for the universal character of his works, their wide
dissemination, as well as the legendary and committed character of the nominee
worldwide. Wole Soyinka is a Nigerian playwright, writer, poet and essayist. He was
awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1986, making him the first Sub-Saharan
African to win the award.
Mr Omar Pene of Senegal received the Award for Science and Technology, Arts and
Literature, sub-category Arts (Music), for the quality of his music and the educational
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nature of his songs, which communicate many positive messages about the fight
against apartheid, African unity, environmental issues and children’s rights
F. OTHER MATTERS
- The Authority pays glowing tribute to H.E. Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria, who is attending the Ordinary Summit for the last time as Head of
State, for his strong belief and efforts to promote economic integration, as well as to
consolidate democracy, and regional peace and security. The Authority expresses
gratitude to him for his leadership and support as the ECOWAS Champion of the COVID-19
response, which among others led to the Community record
the continent. It commends the various regional initiatives he led during his two terms as
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
ng the lowest death rate on
DATE AND VENUE OF NEXT SUMMIT
- The Heads of State and Government decide to hold the next Ordinary Session in Bissau,
Republic of Guinea Bissau at a date to be confirmed. - The Heads of State and Government express sincere appreciation to H. E. Umaro Sissoko
Embalo, President of the Republic of Guinea Bissau, Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of
Heads of State and Government, for his leadership in steering the affairs of the
Community. - The Heads of State and Government express their deep gratitude to the President and
Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for hosting the Sixty-Second Ordinary
Session of the Authority and for the facilities placed at their disposal for the successful
holding of the Session.
Done in Abuja, this 4th day of December22