Final Communiqué of the Sixtieth Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS

1.   The sixtieth ordinary session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was held on December 12, 2021 in Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria, under the chairmanship of EM Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana , and current Chairman of the Conference.

2.   The following Heads of State or their duly mandated representatives attended the Summit:

HE Mr. José Maria Neves , President of the Republic of Cabo Verde;

HE Mr. Alassane Ouattara , President of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire;

HE Mr. Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia;

HE Mr. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the

Republic of Ghana;

HE Mr. Umaro Sissoco Embalo , President of the Republic of

Guinea Bissau;

HE Mr. Mohamed Bazoum , President of the Republic of Niger;

HE Mr. Muhammadu Buhari , President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria;

HE Mr. Macky Sall , President of the Republic of Senegal;

HE Mr. Julius Maada Bio , President of the Republic of Sierra Leone;

HE Mr. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe , President of the Togolese Republic.

HE Madam Mariam Chabi Talata , Vice-President of the Republic of Benin;

HE Mr. Dee Waxwell Saah Kemayah Sr , Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Liberia;

HE Mr. Piabié Firmin Grejoué N'do , Ambassador of Burkina Faso to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Permanent Representative to the ECOWAS Commission

3.   Also participating in the session:

HE Mr. Jean-Claude Kassi Brou , President of the ECOWAS Commission;

HE Mr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, former President of the

Federal Republic of Nigeria, and ECOWAS Mediator for Mali;

HE Mr. Mahamat Saleh Annadif , Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS);

HE Mr. Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner in charge of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, representing the President of the Commission of the African Union;

HE Mr. Abdoulaye Diop, President of the UEMOA Commission.

4.   During the opening ceremony, HE Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, President of the ECOWAS Commission delivered a speech. Following him, HE Mr. Muhammadu Buhari , President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, delivered his welcoming address, followed by HE Mr. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana and current Chairman of the Conference of Chiefs of State and Government of ECOWAS who delivered the opening speech.

5.   The Heads of State and Government took note of the 2021 Report of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, as well as reports of the 47 ^th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council and the 87 ^th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers.

6.   They praised the quality of the reports and the relevant recommendations they contain.

7.   After reaffirming their commitment to deepen the integration process in West Africa, the Heads of State and Government, after deliberations, approved the main recommendations contained in the various reports, then focused on the issues. following specifics:

A. ADOPTION OF THE ECOWAS VISION 2050

8.   In articulating appropriate responses to the multidimensional challenges linked to the sustainable development of member states and to the deepening of integration in West Africa, the Summit adopted the ECOWAS Vision 2050 which intends to promote the emergence, by 2050, “ a community of peoples fully integrated in a peaceful region, prosperous with strong institutions and respectful of fundamental freedoms, working for inclusive and sustainable development ”.

9.   The Summit welcomes the participatory process which presided over the development of this Vision, taking into account the deep aspirations of West African citizens. It confirms the strategic orientations articulated around five (5) fundamental pillars, namely: (i) Peace, Security and Stability; (ii) Governance and Rule of Law; (iii) Economic Integration and Interconnectivity; (iv) Transformation and Inclusive and Sustainable Development; (v) Social inclusion.

10.         The Conference instructs the President of the Commission to expedite the preparation of operational documents, in particular the medium-term strategic framework accompanied by appropriate plans, to support the implementation of the ECOWAS Vision 2050

B. FOR PEACE, SECURITY AND DEMOCRACY

11.         The Conference reaffirms its commitment to promote peace, security and stability in the region, preconditions for economic integration and development in the region.

12.         On the political situation in the region, the Conference reiterates its strong concern about the transition processes in Guinea and Mali.

In this regard, the Heads of State and Government deplore the absence of clear indicators of a possible return to constitutional order, in accordance with the decisions of the Conference.

13.         With regard to Guinea, the Conference welcomes the recent decision of the transitional authorities to allow former President Alpha Condé to return home freely. The Conference was informed by the Transitional Authorities that the National Transitional Council will be in place by the end of December 2021. The Conference remains very concerned that more than three (03) months after the Coup d'Etat, a chronogram for the return to constitutional order has still not been published. The Conference insists on the need to respect the six (6) month deadline previously decided for the holding of the elections and urges the transitional authorities to quickly submit the timetable for the elections to be held within the fixed deadline. The Conference decides to maintain the sanctions initially imposed.

14.         The Conference reaffirms its willingness to support the Guinean authorities with a view to a successful transition.

15.         With regard to Mali, the Conference took note of official communication, sent by the Malian authorities to ECOWAS on December 9, informing it that the timetable for the elections will be transmitted no later than January 31, 2022, and could be discussed with an ECOWAS mission. It is also indicated in the said communication that the electoral law for the single body for the management of elections was adopted by the Government and transmitted to the CNT. The Conference strongly deplores the fact that the deadline of 27 February 2022 for the holding of the elections may not be respected. The Conference remains concerned about the risks for the region of a private security company intervention in Mali.

16.         Consequently, the Conference recalls the urgent need to respect the date of February 27, 2022 for the holding of the elections. It decides to maintain the sanctions already imposed. If at the end of December 2021 no tangible progress is achieved in the preparation of elections, additional sanctions will be imposed as of 1 ^st January 2022. These sanctions include in particular the economic and financial sanctions. The Conference asks the Mediator to carry out a mission to Bamako to inform the Malian authorities.

17.         The Conference calls on the international community to support the implementation of the said sanctions imposed on Guinea and Mali.

18.         As part of the electoral processes in the region, the Conference welcomes the successful conduct of the presidential elections in Cabo Verde and The Gambia. She extends her warmest congratulations to His Excellency José Maria Neves on his election as President of the Republic of Cabo Verde and to His Excellency Adama Barrow , President of the Republic of The Gambia, on his re-election to the highest public office in his country. and wish them every success.

19.         On the security situation in the region , the Conference remains concerned by the deterioration of the security situation in the Sahel, characterized by the recurrence of terrorist attacks in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Nigeria, and the extension of attacks to countries coastal. It strongly condemns these attacks and expresses its solidarity with the Member States and the populations affected.

20.         The Conference reaffirms its determination to fight relentlessly against the scourge of terrorism. To this end, it welcomes the recent conduct by some Member States of joint operations along the borders of the front-line countries and instructs the Commission to provide support for the planning and conduct of such operations within the framework of the implementation of the 2020 - 2024 Action Plan for the eradication of terrorism in the region.

21.         Furthermore, the Conference reiterates its appeal to Member States to respect their commitments in terms of voluntary contributions to the support fund for the implementation of the 2020 - 2024 Action Plan.

22.         The Conference calls on the Commission to strengthen the operational and logistical capacities of the forces of the front-line countries, and reaffirms the need to strengthen the coordination of the efforts of the Member States in the fight against terrorism.

23.         The Conference condemns the recent attacks in Burkina Faso, which have left many civilians and security personnel dead. It expresses its solidarity with the Authorities of Burkina Faso and invites all stakeholders to resort to dialogue.

24.         On maritime safety and security issues , the Conference welcomes the recent improvement in the situation in the maritime domain of ECOWAS, mainly thanks to the efforts made by each Member State and to the increased coordination between the various maritime actors. In this regard, it reiterates the instructions it sent to the Commission so that the latter, in consultation with the Member States, ensure the full operationalization of the entire ECOWAS maritime security architecture.

25. With regard to peace support operations under the mandate of the

ECOWAS , the Conference welcomes the contribution of the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG) to the stabilization of the country. It confirms the transformation of the mission into a Police Mission from January 2022 for a period of …… ..

26.         Regarding the humanitarian situation , the Conference expresses its concern at the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the region, due in particular to terrorism, armed banditry, clashes between farmers and herders and natural disasters. In this regard, it calls on the Commission to step up humanitarian interventions, by strengthening the resilience and recovery efforts of communities.

27.         The Conference also expresses its concern at the food and nutrition crises facing certain Member States, and urges the Commission to initiate a coordinated response with all the stakeholders and to activate regional solidarity mechanisms to deal with this situation. worrying.

C. REGARDING ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE

28.         The Conference welcomes the economic recovery within the Community, with an expected growth of 4.1% of real GDP in 2021, against a slight drop of 0.8% in 2020. However, it expresses its concerns about the increased inflationary pressures and rising budget deficits.

29.         The Summit encourages member states to pursue the implementation of sound economic policies capable of supporting inclusive, sustainable and job-creating economic recovery, while ensuring macroeconomic stability.

D. IN RESPECT OF THE CREATION OF A MONETARY UNION

30.         The Heads of State and Government take note of the state of macroeconomic convergence recorded within ECOWAS during the first semester They urge Member States to take the appropriate measures in order to comply with the provisions of the Convergence Pact and macroeconomic stability among ECOWAS Member States from 2022, through:

1.   The implementation of policies and measures promoting compliance with the macroeconomic convergence criteria;

2.   Preparation and transmission of multi-year macroeconomic convergence programs to the ECOWAS Commission.

31.         The Conference takes note of the financial report relating to the Special Fund for the activities of the revised roadmap of the single currency of ECOWAS and instructs the President of the Commission to strengthen collaboration with the central banks of the Community, in order to ensure adequate funding for the diligent implementation of roadmap activities, with a view to the launch of the ECO in 2027.

32.         UNDER THE CUSTOMS UNION OF ECOWAS AND THE

CONTINENTAL AFRICAN FREE TRADE ZONE (AfCFTA)

32.         The Conference reaffirmed its commitment to the consolidation of the ECOWAS Customs Union and takes note of the legal texts adopted by the Council of Ministers with the aim of improving the financing mechanism of the Community and the fluidity of intra-community trade. , while strengthening the ECOWAS Customs Union. Therefore, the Summit adopts:

1.   The Additional Act fixing the conditions and modalities of application and management of the Community Levy; and

2.   The Additional Act relating to ECOWAS community transit.

33.         The Assembly took note of the state of ratification and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), while welcoming the efforts made by Member States to present common positions facilitated by the Commission. of ECOWAS. In order to preserve the integrity of the Customs Union, the Heads of State and Government urged the ratification of the agreement and the deposit of the instruments of ratification by the Member States which have not yet done so.

34.         The Summit adopts the Additional Act on the modification of Additional Act A / SA.2 / 12/08 on the creation, powers and functioning of the ARCC which aims to clarify, simplify and ensure the effective functioning of the ARCC.

F. FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF OTHER REGIONAL INTEGRATION PROGRAMS

35.         The Heads of State and Government welcomed the reopening of ECOWAS land borders for the free movement of people and urged Member States to:

1.   implement the guidelines adopted by ECOWAS on the harmonization and facilitation of cross-border trade and transport and the mitigation of health risks in the ECOWAS region, regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and related measures addressing the post-pandemic recovery;

2.   strengthen coordination, collaboration and cooperation across border agencies between Member States sharing contiguous borders;

3.   adopt mutual recognition of PCR tests at borders

1.   harmonize the periods of validity of test results in the Member States;

2.   provide the necessary equipment and facilities at all points of entry;

3.   reopen all land borders of ECOWAS on 1 ^st January 2022.

36.         Regarding the obstacles to intra-community trade on the Abidjan-Lagos corridor, the Conference welcomes the forthcoming holding of the ministerial meeting of the countries concerned under the chairmanship of the Champion of Free Movement, HE Mr. Roch Marc Christian Kabore, President of Burkina Faso.

37.         Conference welcomes the preparation of the Master Plan for the Development of Regional Infrastructure , the implementation of which will ensure the promotion of regional integration, economic development and competitiveness of the region in the world economy.

38.         The Heads of State and Government adopt the ECOWAS Regional Master Plan for Infrastructure, take note of its related regulations and instruct the Commission to ensure a uniform distribution of projects among the Member States and to conduct a periodic review of the projects. projects included in the master plan.

39.         The Summit welcomed the ECOWAS Regional Public-Private Partnership (PPP) which will serve as a platform to raise alternative and innovative financing in connection with regional projects, as well as to create a favorable environment for investors, with a view to mobilizing private capital for regional infrastructure development and service delivery

40.         The Conference adopts the ECOWAS PPP Policy, takes note of its guidelines applicable to regional projects and instructs the Commission to ensure their implementation.

41.         The Conference took note of the Comprehensive Strategic Framework for the Sustainable Development of Fisheries and Aquaculture in ECOWAS Member States , with a view to enhancing the contribution of fishery resources to sustainable development, food security and reduction of poverty in West Africa, with the specific objective of improving regional fisheries governance in West Africa through better coordination of national fisheries policies

42.         The Conference also took note of the Strategy to support the employability of young people in the agro-sylvo-pastoral and fisheries sector with a view to combating the rural exodus and uncontrolled immigration in the ECOWAS region to: i ) create the greatest number of remunerative jobs for young people (men and women) in the agro-sylvo-pastoral sector, fishing and in agrifood value chains; and ii) fight against rural exodus and uncontrolled emigration in the ECOWAS region.

43.         The Conference expressed its concerns about the various environmental problems in West Africa which hamper its economic and social development and are exacerbated by climate change, the effects and impacts of which are considerable in the Region.

44.         In order to address this issue, the Conference adopts the Declaration on Climate Change and urges Member States to strengthen and accelerate the implementation of fifteen (15) initiatives and actions already undertaken with a view to strengthening climate governance at the level region and ensure the energy transition.

45.         The Summit took note of a harmonized regional road safety policy, an action plan, a monitoring and evaluation framework and a regional road safety charter to lead to the coordinated and harmonized improvement of security in the ECOWAS region.

46.         The Conference took note of the ECOWAS Regional Strategy for the prevention and response to sexual and gender-based violence, as well as the elimination of all violence against women and girls; It also took note of the ECOWAS Policy on the Prevention and Response to Sexual Harassment in Workplaces and in Educational Institutions.

ECOWAS AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

47.         The Conference proceeded to the awarding of the ECOWAS Award of Excellence, adopted by Decision A / DEC.2 / 06/17 establishing the criteria and procedures for awarding the ECOWAS Award of Excellence. The ECOWAS Excellence Award aims to promote excellence

and the merit of natural or legal persons who, through their actions, initiatives, creativity, services, have immensely contributed to promoting regional integration, peace and socioeconomic development in the ECOWAS Region.

48.         The ECOWAS Award of Excellence was presented by His Excellency Mr. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo , President of the Republic of Ghana, President in office of the Conference of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS to the following laureates:

o    Ms. Leymah Gbowee of Liberia, for the Award for Deserving Citizens of the Community, for her contribution to peace in her country during the 2003 Civil War. She is also co-winner of the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize with HE Ellen Johnson Sirleaf , ex-president of Liberia and Ms. Tawakkoul Karman.

o    Professor Basile KOUNOUHEWA from Benin for the Science and Technology Prize for the manufacture of a disinfection cabin

o    Madame Loukou Akissi Delphine from Côte d'Ivoire commonly known as Akissi DELTA, director of television series, for the Arts Award (cinema) for the quality and richness of her cinematographic production broadcast and recognized in several ECOWAS States

·         Madame Wetewete Liking-Gnepo from Côte d'Ivoire, self-taught and author of dramatic art, for the Lettres Prize (dramatic art) for the quality and richness of her artistic production recognized in several ECOWAS States

G. INSTITUTIONAL ISSUES

1.   In accordance with the decisions taken by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, during its extraordinary session held on February 2, 2021, regarding institutional reforms, E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo , President of the Conference, presented his report on reflections on the optimal structure and size of the new Commission and other institutions, as well as on efforts to further rationalize the operating costs of ECOWAS. The Conference congratulated HE Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for the quality of her report.

2.   The Conference notes that further consultations are needed to finalize the allocation of statutory posts and decides to extend the term of the current statutory officials to the end of June 2022.

DATE AND PLACE OF THE NEXT SUMMIT

51.         The Heads of State and Government decide to hold the next ordinary session in Accra, Republic of Ghana, on a date to be confirmed.

52.         The Heads of State and Government express their sincere gratitude to E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo , President of the Republic of Ghana, President of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS, for his leadership in the conduct of the affairs of the Community.

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