“Consequently, it urges the Chair of the Authority to initiate diplomatic action with these countries to ensure compliance with international law on the treatment and repatriation of migrants,” the Authority states in a communiqué.
On the implications of the imminent MINUSMA withdrawal from Mali and the presence of foreign private armies on peace and security in the ECOWAS region the Authority constitutes a Presidential Task Force comprising Benin, Guinea Bissau and Nigeria to deepen reflections on the withdrawal of MINUSMA and all related security matters. The Task Force will also accompany ECOWAS mediators to sustain dialogue with the transition authorities of the concerned Member States.
“The Authority directs the President of the Commission to propose, within 90 days, a comprehensive response mechanism to the dual developments of the MINUSMA withdrawal and the presence of foreign private armies in the Region.”
“The Authority urges the United Nations and the Malian authorities to urgently facilitate the movement of the ECOWAS Member States' contingents and their assets deployed in Mali, in connection with the withdrawal of MINUSMA.”
On the Economic Performance
The Authority takes note of the maintenance of the average projected economic growth rate of the Community at 3.9% in 2023 as in 2022, notwithstanding the difficult international context and the continuous increase in consumer prices. In this regard, the Authority urges Member States to sustain efforts in building more resilient economies, in particular by pursuing structural reforms, efforts to diversify economies and increase local food supply.
On the ECOWAS Single Currency
The Authority notes the lack of consensus in the definition of "majority" within the framework of the Convergence and Stability Pact among ECOWAS Member States.
The Authority mandates the Commission to set up a High-Level Committee comprising the Presidents of the ECOWAS and U EMOA Commissions, the Governor of BCEAO, the Chairman of the UEMOA Council of Ministers, and representatives of Cabo Verde, Ghana and Nigeria, to propose practical arrangements for the creation of the ECO.
The Authority adopts the Decision amending the Decision A/DEC.3/7/18 of July 31, 2018 establishing the Special Fund for the financing of the programs of the revised Roadmap for the Single Currency.
