ECOWAS wraps up transformative humanitarian mission in Gambia

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has successfully concluded its comprehensive Field Monitoring and Evaluation Mission in The Gambia, aimed at assessing the effectiveness of humanitarian assistance provided in response to the devastating floods and food crises that struck the region in 2022.

Over the past week, the ECOWAS delegation engaged with flood-affected communities in Chitah (Nyofelleh), Fass Omar Saho, Munyagen, and the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) to ensure that humanitarian aid is effectively addressing the needs of the most vulnerable populations.

Led by Mr. Mohamed Ibrahim, the Head of the Humanitarian and Disaster Risk Reduction Division at ECOWAS, the mission focused on evaluating the impact of the distributed aid and identifying areas for further improvement.

Mr. Ibrahim stated, “This visit allowed us to see firsthand the impact of our interventions and understand where we can enhance our support. Our commitment is to ensure that the assistance we provide leads to lasting, positive outcomes.”

During the mission, Mr. Godwin JNR JAY ILUKHOR, an ECOWAS Consultant specializing in data analysis and monitoring and evaluation, presented key findings from the field visits. He noted that while cash transfers have provided essential relief to many families, there remain opportunities to refine the program to better serve the affected communities.

“The cash transfers have been critical in helping beneficiaries meet their immediate needs, such as purchasing food and repairing damaged homes. However, our analysis also points to areas where we can further improve,” Mr. Ilukhor remarked.

The delegation engaged with several local leaders, including Mr. Sana Dahaba, Executive Director of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), and Mr. Ngagne Jeng, Municipal Disaster Coordinator for the Kanifing Municipal Council. Both emphasized the importance of the partnership with ECOWAS in delivering effective aid to those in need.

Reflecting on the ongoing cash transfer program, Mr. Dahaba highlighted its reach to 2,650 households across The Gambia, including 661 within the Kanifing Municipal Council.

“Partnering with ECOWAS has been vital in ensuring that our most vulnerable populations in Nyofelleh, Fass Omar Saho, Munyagen, and Kanifing receive the support they need. The lessons we’ve learned during this mission will guide us in better preparing for future challenges,” he stated.

Mr. Jeng praised the transparency and efficiency of the aid distribution process, which has been instrumental in maintaining community trust.

“Our collaboration with ECOWAS has been a key factor in the successful delivery of aid. We look forward to continuing this strong partnership to further support our communities,” he added.