Sarr specified that $4 million of the total was allocated to humanitarian.
By Karo Oghenetega
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced that it earmarked $25 million in 2024 to combat terrorism in Nigeria, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. Prof. Fatou Sarr, ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, revealed this during a press briefing at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Friday.
Sarr specified that $4 million of the total was allocated to humanitarian efforts aimed at addressing the dire consequences of terrorism and alleviating the impact of natural disasters in the region.
She emphasized the importance of humanitarian interventions in light of the ongoing crises and displacements within the community, noting that such actions persist even in countries under sanctions.
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“In 2024, ECOWAS has released 9 million dollars for internally displaced people, refugees, asylum seekers, as well as for the communities that welcome them (i.e all 15 countries).
“ECOWAS has allocated one million dollars for stabilization in Nigeria, that is, victims of terrorism, displaced people, injured people, rehabilitation and strengthening community resilience.
“Out of a fund of 25 million dollars intended for the fight against terrorism in Nigeria, Burkina, Mali and Niger, ECOWAS has reserved 4 million dollars for humanitarian actions,” she said.
The commissioner noted that in 2023 alone, ECOWAS provided assistance totaling over $12.6 million to four million out of the 8.5 million individuals affected by violent conflicts and disasters across West Africa.
She mentioned that despite facing sanctions in January, the Republic of Guinea received $600,000 in support from ECOWAS, with $100,000 allocated for fire disaster relief and $499,390 designated for flood assistance.
Sarr highlighted the commission’s initiatives aimed at the development and empowerment of youth in the subregion, focusing on three main areas of intervention: volunteerism, sports, and economic integration.
“Since 2014, ECOWAS has posted 217 volunteers to the following countries: Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Nigeria, Burkina, Bénin.
“ECOWAS works to promote the spirit of volunteerism among young people to give them opportunity for professional development, enhance their civic engagement and foster conscience for community service,” she said.
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