ECOWAS strengthens partnership with Guinean News Agency

In an effort to enhance the effectiveness of National Early Warning Centers in member states, a delegation led by Dr. Onyinye Nkechi Onwuka, Acting Director of Early Warning, visited the Republic of Guinea from July 18 to 19, 2024.

The mission began by meeting with H.E. Louis Blaise AKA-BROU, the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Guinea, to discuss the objectives of the visit. The team then held a productive technical meeting with the National Coordination Centre for Early Warning and Response to Security Risks, where they exchanged valuable insights and recommendations.

One of the main highlights of the mission was the partnership between ECOWAS and the Guinean News Agency (AGP).

The delegation met with Mr. François Mara, the Director General of AGP, and agreed on the appointment of a field monitor to strengthen collaboration and information sharing.

To ensure the smooth operation of the Early Warning Center, a training session was organized by the Acting Director of Early Warning and the Head of the Systems Management and Planning Division.

Field monitors, analysts, and the liaison officer were equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge on crisis prevention, management, and resolution mechanisms.

In addition, the mission facilitated an exchange between the National Center and CENTIF (Cellule Nationale de traitement des Informations Financières), the financial intelligence unit responsible for combating money laundering and terrorism.

Both entities will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize their partnership and collaboration.

The mission concluded with an audience with the Prime Minister, Mr. Amadou Oury BAH, at the Palais de la Colombe. The ECOWAS Resident Representative praised the Guinean government for its significant contribution to the establishment of the Center and announced plans for an official launch, with the President of the Commission attending to witness the signing of the MOU.

During the audience, the Acting Director of Early Warning reiterated ECOWAS’s commitment to operationalize and enhance the effectiveness of these centers to ensure regional peace and stability.

She also informed the Prime Minister about the upcoming Country Resilience and Human Security Assessment, which will be conducted with technical support from the Early Warning Directorate and financial support from the African Development Bank (AfDB).

The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts among member states in combating security threats that pose a risk to the region’s stability. He expressed his government’s willingness to work closely with ECOWAS to preserve peace in the sub-region.

The National Coordination Centre for Early Warning and Response to Security Risks is attached to the office of the Prime Minister, Head of Government of the Republic of Guinea, and serves as a vital mechanism for monitoring and addressing potential security risks.