ECOWAS Commission vows to double efforts in conflict resolution programmes

The ECOWAS Commission on Tuesday underscored the need for the body to respond rapidly and effectively to crisis situations in the sub-region.

A statement from the commission in Abujaon Tuesday quoted Toga McIntosh, its Vice President, as saying that the body had to do something differently in crisis situations.

'We cannot continue to do the same thing year in year out; there has to be a reference point.

'Today, Mali is once again on a democratic path, and is embarking on national reconciliation, reconstruction and development,'' the statement quoted McIntosh as saying at the joint meeting of ambassadors accredited to ECOWAS and its technical committee on political affairs in Accra.

It quoted McIntosh as urging the Accrameeting to come up with consolidated recommendations for consideration and adoption by the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council.

The statement said that this was for onward submission to the Authority of Heads of State and Government.

It also quoted Ghana's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hannah Tetteh, as describing the crises in Mali as sad though it could serve as a corrective measure.

'The developments that occurred in Mali, however sad as they were, served as a good case study to help us put our house in order and not to go along the same path.

'We must say 'never again' to such crisis that bring untold hardship to our people, particularly our women and children.

“It drastically derailed any progress on socioeconomic development,' the statement said