Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The ECOWAS Commission, in partnership with The Gambia’s National Early Warning and Response Mechanism Coordinating Centre (NCCRM), successfully hosted a crucial three-day workshop aimed at bolstering the ECOWAS Protection and Human Security Integrated Coordination Mechanisms (ECO-PHSICM).

Held from June 26th to 28th, 2024, the workshop marked a significant step for The Gambia’s National Early Warning and Response Mechanism Coordinating Centre (NCCRM), a key player in The Gambia’s security landscape, in enhancing regional security and protection measures.

The workshop focused on reviewing the progress recorded by The Gambia since the establishment of ECOPHSICM in 2021 and the adoption of an Implementation Roadmap. This roadmap aims to address the myriad of protection and human security challenges prevalent in The Gambia and across the ECOWAS region. It also aimed to review the Roadmap, considering new and emerging issues, and to develop an Action Plan for its implementation for the period 2024 to 2026. The Mechanism was established to promote a whole-of-government and society approach in strengthening the ‘protection web’ for all persons within The Gambia’s territory.

Madam Binta Singhateh, Director of NCCRM, emphasized the workshop’s critical role in tackling diverse challenges. She highlighted its importance in addressing issues such as human trafficking, gender-based violence, and other human security threats faced by vulnerable populations in the region.

The workshop received praise for its proactive approach in safeguarding the rights of vulnerable groups. Representing Dr. Sintiki Tarfa Ugbe, ECOWAS Director for Humanitarian and Social Affairs, Mr. Olatunde Olayemi reiterated the mechanism’s significance in promoting human security, as outlined in ECOWAS treaties. He also announced a USD 25,000 grant to support NCCRM’s coordination efforts, underscoring ECOWAS’s steadfast commitment to regional security.

Ambassador Miatta Lily French, ECOWAS Resident in The Gambia, echoed these sentiments, stressing the centrality of human security to regional stability. Speaking during ECOWAS’s 49th Anniversary Celebration themed ‘Enhancing Regional Unity, Peace, and Security,’ she urged stakeholders to effectively utilize ECOWAS funding to operationalize ECO-PHSICM, thereby enhancing regional security.

Mr. Samba C. Mballo, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Vice President of The Gambia, praised the workshop’s outcomes, particularly the adoption of a tailored Implementation Roadmap. He noted this as a significant milestone towards finding practical solutions to regional challenges, fostering optimism for the future.

Key stakeholders, including representatives from the National Agency Against Trafficking in Persons (NAATIP) and the Network Against Gender-Based Violence (NGBV), also shared valuable insights during the workshop. The sessions covered critical topics such as risk assessment, stakeholder roles, community engagement strategies, gender mainstreaming, and project evaluation under ECO-PHSICM.

The workshop concluded with the adoption of an action plan to implement The Gambia’s protection and human security roadmap. This plan outlines specific measures to enhance regional stability and resilience, signaling a renewed commitment to concrete steps for the coming years.