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ECOWAS aims to unlock citizens' potential through human capital development

STORY: ECOWAS aims to unlock citizens' potential through human capital development SHOOTING TIME: May 8, 2024 DATELINE: May 10, 2024 LENGTH: 0:02:16 LOCATION: Accra CATEGORY: POLITICS/ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the 2024 ECOWAS Human Capital Development Technical Conference 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): DAMTIEN TCHINTCHIBIDJA, Vice president of the ECOWAS Commission 3. various of the 2024 ECOWAS Human Capital Development Technical Conference 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): ROBERT TALIERCIO, World Bank country director for Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone STORYLINE: The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is implementing strategies to unlock human capital development, said Damtien Tchintchibidja, vice president of the ECOWAS Commission. At the 2024 ECOWAS Human Capital Development Technical Conference in the Ghanaian capital of Accra, Tchintchibidja remarked that West Africa needs to advance the potential of its youthful population to ensure a sustainable economic and social path forward. But

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Nigeria opens land, air borders with Niger following ECOWAS resolution

STORY: Nigeria opens land, air borders with Niger following ECOWAS resolution SHOOTING TIME: March 13, 2024 DATELINE: March 15, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:19 LOCATION: Abuja CATEGORY: POLITICS/ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of ECOWAS leaders at the extraordinary summit on Feb. 24 in Abuja 2. various of aerial view of the border 4. various of the military patrolling borders 5. various of border towns 6. various of goods at the border STORYLINE: Nigeria on Wednesday opened its land and air borders with the Republic of the Niger and lifted earlier imposed sanctions against that country following a 2023 coup that overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu gave the directive in compliance with the decisions of the Authority of the Heads of State and Government of the 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at its extraordinary summit on Feb. 24 in Abuja, the Nigerian capital. At the extraordinary summit, the West African leaders agreed to lift economic sanctions agains

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West African bloc lifts sanctions on Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger

STORY: West African bloc lifts sanctions on Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger SHOOTING TIME: Feb. 24, 2024 DATELINE: Feb. 26, 2024 LENGTH: 00:02:01 LOCATION: Abuja CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of ECOWAS heads of state arriving for the summit 2. various of meetings 3. various of stakeholders present 4. SOUNDBITE (English): OMAR TOURAY, President of the ECOWAS Commission STORYLINE: The 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Saturday lifted drastic sanctions earlier placed on Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to pressure military juntas in those countries to return to constitutional order. Sanctions on three countries would be lifted immediately, Omar Touray, president of the ECOWAS Commission, said in a statement after an extraordinary summit in the Nigerian capital of Abuja. Touray announced the immediate lifting of sanctions on three countries following an extraordinary summit of the Authority of Heads of State and Government held Saturday in Abuja, Nigeria. SOUNDBITE (En

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ECOWAS affirms Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger as continued members despite juntas' claims

STORY: ECOWAS affirms Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger as continued members despite juntas' claims SHOOTING TIME: Jan. 28, 2024 DATELINE: Jan. 29, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:01 LOCATION: Bamako, Mali CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga, spokesperson for the transitional government of Mali STORYLINE: The 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Sunday officially asserted Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger remain integral members of the regional bloc in response to an earlier declaration by the military junta in each respective country, stating their intention to withdraw membership. The ECOWAS Commission said in a statement that it was yet to receive any direct notification from the three member states about their intention to withdraw from the community. "Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali remain important members of the community and the Authority of Heads of State and Government remains committed to finding a negotiated solution to the political impasse," read the statement

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MALI-BURKINA FASO-NIGER-ECOWAS-WITHDRAWAL

(240128) -- BAMAKO, Jan. 28, 2024 (Xinhua) -- A screenshot taken from a video shows Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga, Malian minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, and spokesperson for the transitional government of Mali, reading a joint statement in the television news of Malian television (ORTM), Jan. 28, 2024. Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger are no longer members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), military officials of the three countries decided in a joint statement read this Sunday in the television news of Malian television (ORTM). (Xinhua)

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West African bloc to gradually ease sanctions on Niger

STORY: West African bloc to gradually ease sanctions on Niger SHOOTING TIME: Dec. 10, 2023 DATELINE: Dec. 12, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:35 LOCATION: Abuja CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of heads of state and government of ECOWAS in the Nigerian capital of Abuja 2. various of participants of the meetings STORYLINE: The 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has promised a gradual easing of sanctions on Niger based on outcomes of engagement with the military junta in that country following the ousting of President Mohammed Bazoum in July. In a statement at the end of the 64th ordinary session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS in the Nigerian capital of Abuja Sunday, the West African bloc set up a committee made up of the presidents of Togo, Sierra Leone, and Benin to engage with the military junta in Niger on the need for a short transition roadmap and the emplacement of monitoring mechanisms. "Based on the outcomes of the engagement by the CNSP (Natio

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BENIN-ABOMEY CALAVI-WAPP-INFORMATION & COORDINATION CENTER

(231118) -- ABOMEY CALAVI, Nov. 18, 2023 (Xinhua) -- A staff member works at West African Power Pool (WAPP) Information and Coordination Center of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Abomey Calavi, Benin, Nov. 17, 2023. TO GO WITH "West African bloc establishes information center to enhance coordination on electricity supply" (Photo by Seraphin Zounyekpe/Xinhua)

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BENIN-ABOMEY CALAVI-WAPP-INFORMATION & COORDINATION CENTER

(231118) -- ABOMEY CALAVI, Nov. 18, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken on Nov. 17, 2023 shows the West African Power Pool (WAPP) Information and Coordination Center of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Abomey Calavi, Benin. TO GO WITH "West African bloc establishes information center to enhance coordination on electricity supply" (Photo by Seraphin Zounyekpe/Xinhua)

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Cooperation among ECOWAS members vital to launching common currency: official

STORY: Cooperation among ECOWAS members vital to launching common currency: official DATELINE: Sept. 12, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:13 LOCATION: Accra CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the conference 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): OLORUNSOLA OLOWOFESO, Director general of the WAMI 3. various of the conference 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): OLORUNSOLA OLOWOFESO, Director general of the WAMI 5. various of the conference STORYLINE: A senior official from the West African Monetary Institute (WAMI) on Monday stressed a strong collaboration among member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to achieve the target of launching the proposed common currency Eco for the subregion amid the global economic challenges. Olorunsola Olowofeso, director general of the WAMI, made this call during the official opening of the 53rd Meeting of the Technical Committee of the Member States of the West African Monetary Zone in Accra, the capital of Ghana. In an interview with Xinhua, Olowofeso said the g

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ECOWAS standby force ready to go to Niger: official

STORY: ECOWAS standby force ready to go to Niger: official DATELINE: Aug. 20, 2023 LENGTH: 00:03:10 LOCATION: Accra CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of participants of ECOWAS defense chiefs' meeting 2. SOUNDBITE (English): ABDEL-FATAU MUSAH, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security 3. various of defense chiefs' meeting STORYLINE: The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) standby force is ready to go to Niger any time the order is given, a senior ECOWAS official said here late Friday. Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, made the comment during a press briefing after a two-day meeting of the ECOWAS defense chiefs in Ghana's capital Accra. Musah said all the necessary preparations had concluded, and the defense chiefs would present their report to the leaders of the subregional bloc for further instruction. SOUNDBITE (English): ABDEL-FATAU MUSAH, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security "We ha

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GHANA-ACCRA-ECOWAS-MEETING

(230818) -- ACCRA, Aug. 18, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Attendees of the extraordinary meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff pose for a group photo in Accra, capital of Ghana, Aug.17, 2023. The defense chiefs of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Thursday gathered in Ghana's capital of Accra to discuss plans for the deployment of a standby force to Niger. TO GO WITH "ECOWAS defense chiefs meet to discuss plans for deployment of standby force to Niger" (Photo by Seth/Xinhua)

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West African bloc activates regional standby force for possible intervention in Niger coup

STORY: West African bloc activates regional standby force for possible intervention in Niger coup DATELINE: Aug. 11, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:47 LOCATION: Abuja CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of ECOWAS leaders arriving at the summit 2. various of ECOWAS leaders and officials 3. various of meetings 4. SOUNDBITE (English): OMAR ALIEU TOURAY, President of ECOWAS commission STORYLINE: The 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Thursday said it has resolved to activate its standby force in response to the recent coup in Niger while underscoring its continued commitment to restore constitutional order in the country through peaceful means. In a statement of an extraordinary summit in the Nigerian capital of Abuja, the regional bloc reiterates its strong condemnation of the coup in Niger, saying it upholds all measures and principles agreed upon by the urgent ECOWAS summit on July 30. The ECOWAS leaders "direct the (ECOWAS) committee of the Chiefs of Defense Staff to activate i

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NIGERIA-ABUJA-ECOWAS-EXTRAORDINARY SUMMIT

(230810) -- ABUJA, Aug. 10, 2023 (Xinhua) -- ECOWAS leaders attend an extraordinary summit in Abuja, Nigeria, on Aug. 10, 2023. The 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Thursday said it has resolved to activate its standby force in response to the recent coup in Niger while underscoring its continued commitment to restore constitutional order in the country through peaceful means. (Photo by Sodiq/Xinhua)

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NIGERIA-ABUJA-ECOWAS-EXTRAORDINARY SUMMIT

(230810) -- ABUJA, Aug. 10, 2023 (Xinhua) -- ECOWAS leaders pose for a photo at an extraordinary summit in Abuja, Nigeria, on Aug. 10, 2023. The 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Thursday said it has resolved to activate its standby force in response to the recent coup in Niger while underscoring its continued commitment to restore constitutional order in the country through peaceful means. (Photo by Sodiq/Xinhua)

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How will military coup in Niger spill over to West Africa?

STORY: How will military coup in Niger spill over to West Africa? DATELINE: Aug. 10, 2023 LENGTH: 00:03:55 LOCATION: Niamey CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of supporters of the coup-d'etat in Niger gathering in Niamey 2. various of ECOWAS heads of state at an emergency meeting held in the Nigerian capital Abuja 3. various of ECOWAS defense chiefs at a press briefing 4. various of supporters of the coup-d'etat in Niger gathering in Niamey 5. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): STEPHANE DUJARRIC, Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General 6. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): SHERIFF GHALI, Expert on international relations at the University of Abuja in Nigeria 7. various of ECOWAS defense chiefs at a press briefing 8. various of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the press briefing 9. SOUNDBITE 3 (French): ANTONIO GUTERRES, UN Secretary-General 10. SOUNDBITE 4 (English): MUSA CHRISTOPHER, Nigeria's Chief of Defense Staff 11. various of street views in Niamey STORYLINE: Leaders of West African countries are expected to meet

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West African bloc imposes sanctions on Niger military leaders after coup

STORY: West African bloc imposes sanctions on Niger military leaders after coup DATELINE: July 31, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:51 LOCATION: Abuja CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of ECOWAS heads of state arriving at the event 2. various of officials 3. various of the meeting 4. various of President of the ECOWAS Commission Omar Alieu Touray reading communique 5. various of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu delivering a speech STORYLINE: The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a regional group of 15 countries, agreed to impose sanctions on Niger's military leaders involved in a recent coup at an emergency meeting held in the Nigerian capital Abuja on Sunday. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, also chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the ECOWAS, denounced the coup, saying the regional bloc "rejects coup and interruption to constitutional order." "As African leaders, it is our responsibility to foster stability and progress," Tinubu said, noting that the ECOWAS advocates co

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Guinea Bissau holds voting for legislative elections

STORY: Guinea Bissau holds voting for legislative elections DATELINE: June 5, 2023 LENGTH: 0:02:38 LOCATION: Bissau CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1 various of President Umaro Sissoco Embalo voting in a polling station in the Gabu region 2 various of people voting STORYLINE: Voting for legislative elections of Guinea Bissau was held on Sunday. About 900,000 Bissau-Guinean voters cast their votes at the 3,500 polling stations during the seventh legislative elections in the country's history, according to the national electoral commission of the country. President Umaro Sissoco Embalo promised that he would use these legislative elections "to stabilize the country and rekindle the economy." The vote took place under the supervision of 230 international observers, most of whom are from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Twenty political parties and two coalitions are in the running to renew the 102 seats in the National Assembly for a five-year term. Xinhua News Agency correspon

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Benin holds legislative elections

STORY: Benin holds legislative elections DATELINE: Jan. 9, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:34 LOCATION: COTONOU, Benin CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of a polling station in Cotonou 2. various of voters casting ballots 3. various of Beninese President Patrice Talon at a polling station 4. SOUNDBITE (French): PATRICE TALON, Beninese President 6. various of the voting procedure STORYLINE: People of Benin went to vote in legislative elections Sunday. At 7 a.m., local time, the vote began under the supervision of observers from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and representatives of seven contesting political parties in the country. Beninese President Patrice Talon said Sunday that he was satisfied with the entire electoral process underway for the legislative ballot. SOUNDBITE (French): PATRICE TALON, Beninese President "Now everyone comes to vote with enthusiasm and no one boycotts it anymore, despite the reforms that are transforming our political, economic and administrative environmen

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ECOWAS armed forces chiefs meet to discuss fight against terrorism

STORY: ECOWAS armed forces chiefs meet to discuss fight against terrorism DATELINE: Dec. 21, 2022 LENGTH: 00:02:12 LOCATION: Bissau CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the meeting STORYLINE: A meeting of the heads of the armed forces of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) opened on Monday in Bissau, the capital of Guinea-Bissau, to discuss strategies to fight against terrorism and coups, Guinea-Bissau's army chief announced in a statement to the press. According to the statement, one of the expected results of the meeting is that it would present the modalities of action of the ECOWAS Alert Force in the fight against terrorism. The West African Community Alert Force can be used to combat terrorism and restore constitutional order in the region when it is threatened, the head of the Armed Forces of Guinea-Bissau, General Biague Na Ntan, also acting chairman of the ECOWAS Chiefs of Staff Committee, told reporters. The meeting of ECOWAS member countries' army chiefs came after a s

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NIGERIA-ABUJA-ECOWAS HEADQUARTERS-CONSTRUCTION

(221206) -- ABUJA, Dec. 6, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari speaks at a groundbreaking ceremony of the China-aided project of the headquarters of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Abuja, Nigeria, Dec. 4, 2022. The China-aided construction of the permanent ECOWAS headquarters began on Sunday in Nigeria's capital, Abuja, to consolidate the regional bloc's operations in one complex -- a departure from operating at three different locations in Abuja. (Xinhua/Guo Jun)

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NIGERIA-ABUJA-ECOWAS HEADQUARTERS-CONSTRUCTION

(221206) -- ABUJA, Dec. 6, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Cui Jianchun speaks at a groundbreaking ceremony of the China-aided project of the headquarters of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Abuja, Nigeria, Dec. 4, 2022. The China-aided construction of the permanent ECOWAS headquarters began on Sunday in Nigeria's capital, Abuja, to consolidate the regional bloc's operations in one complex -- a departure from operating at three different locations in Abuja. (Xinhua/Guo Jun)

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NIGERIA-ABUJA-ECOWAS HEADQUARTERS-CONSTRUCTION

(221206) -- ABUJA, Dec. 6, 2022 (Xinhua) -- President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission Omar Alieu Touray speaks at a groundbreaking ceremony of the China-aided project of the ECOWAS headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria, on Dec. 4, 2022. The China-aided construction of the permanent ECOWAS headquarters began on Sunday in Nigeria's capital, Abuja, to consolidate the regional bloc's operations in one complex -- a departure from operating at three different locations in Abuja. (Xinhua/Guo Jun)

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NIGERIA-ABUJA-ECOWAS HEADQUARTERS-CONSTRUCTION

(221206) -- ABUJA, Dec. 6, 2022 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken on Dec. 4, 2022 shows a scene of the groundbreaking ceremony of the China-aided project of the headquarters of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Abuja, Nigeria. The China-aided construction of the permanent ECOWAS headquarters began on Sunday in Nigeria's capital, Abuja, to consolidate the regional bloc's operations in one complex -- a departure from operating at three different locations in Abuja. (Xinhua/Guo Jun)

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China-aided ECOWAS headquarters begins construction

STORY: China-aided ECOWAS headquarters begins construction DATELINE: Dec. 5, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:59 LOCATION: Abuja CATEGORY: POLITICS/ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the groundbreaking ceremony 2. various of officials 3. various of project description 4. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): CUI JIANCHUN, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria 5. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): MUHAMMADU BUHARI, Nigerian President 6. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): OMAR ALIEU TOURAY, President of ECOWAS Commission STORYLINE: The China-aided project of the permanent headquarters of the Economic Community of West African States began construction on Sunday in Nigeria's capital, Abuja. The new headquarters building will enable the regional bloc to operate in one complex instead of three locations. Officials from the Chinese embassy in Nigeria, state leaders from Nigeria, Guinea Bissau and Sierra Leone, as well as president of the ECOWAS Commission attended the groundbreaking ceremony. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): CUI JIANCHUN, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria "To sponsor a

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NIGERIA-ABUJA-ECOWAS HEADQUARTERS-CONSTRUCTION

(221205) -- ABUJA, Dec. 5, 2022 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken on Dec. 4, 2022 shows a scene of the groundbreaking ceremony of the China-aided project of the headquarters of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Abuja, Nigeria. The China-aided construction of the permanent ECOWAS headquarters began on Sunday in Nigeria's capital, Abuja, to consolidate the regional bloc's operations in one complex -- a departure from operating at three different locations in Abuja. (Xinhua/Guo Jun)

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NIGERIA-ABUJA-ECOWAS HEADQUARTERS-CONSTRUCTION

(221205) -- ABUJA, Dec. 5, 2022 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken on Dec. 4, 2022 shows a scene of the groundbreaking ceremony of the China-aided project of the headquarters of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Abuja, Nigeria. The China-aided construction of the permanent ECOWAS headquarters began on Sunday in Nigeria's capital, Abuja, to consolidate the regional bloc's operations in one complex -- a departure from operating at three different locations in Abuja. (Xinhua/Guo Jun)

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ECOWAS eases economic, financial sanctions on Mali

STORY: ECOWAS eases economic, financial sanctions on Mali DATELINE: July 5, 2022 LENGTH: 00:02:47 LOCATION: Accra CATEGORY: POLITICS/ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of ECOWAS heads of state 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): JEAN-CLAUDE KASSI BROU, President of the ECOWAS Commission 3. various of ECOWAS meeting 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): JEAN-CLAUDE KASSI BROU, President of the ECOWAS Commission 5. various of ECOWAS meeting 6. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): JEAN-CLAUDE KASSI BROU, President of the ECOWAS Commission STORYLINE: The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) late Sunday announced to ease its economic and financial sanctions on Mali. Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, the president of the ECOWAS Commission, announced during the closing press conference of the 61st Ordinary Session of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government in the Ghanaian capital. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): JEAN-CLAUDE KASSI BROU, President of the ECOWAS Commission "The Malian authorities have taken steps in term of passing the electoral accord and also t

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Guinea Bissau president elected as new chairman of Economic Community of West African States

STORY: Guinea Bissau president elected as new chairman of Economic Community of West African States DATELINE: July 5, 2022 LENGTH: 00:00:00 LOCATION: Accra CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. Various shots of ECOWAS heads of state 2. Shots of Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco Embalo 3. Various shots of ECOWAS meeting 4. SOUNDBITE (English): JEAN CLAUDE KASSI BROU, ECOWAS Commission president 5. Various of the heads of state STORYLINE: The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Sunday elected Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco Embalo, the president of Guinea Bissau, as its new chairman. Embalo was elected during the 61st Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government in Accra, the Ghanaian capital. He will replace Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the Ghanaian president, who had been the chairman since September 2020. SOUNDBITE (English): JEAN CLAUDE KASSI BROU, ECOWAS Commission president "President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the President of Ghana, who is also the chair of authority, since Sep

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GHANA-ACCRA-ECOWAS-ORDINARY SESSION

(220703) -- ACCRA, July 3, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Attendees pose for a photo during the 61st Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government in Accra, Ghana, on July 3, 2022. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Sunday elected Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco Embalo, the president of Guinea Bissau, as its new chairman. (Photo by Seth/Xinhua)

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GHANA-ACCRA-ECOWAS-ORDINARY SESSION

(220703) -- ACCRA, July 3, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco Embalo (L, Front), the president of Guinea Bissau, attends the 61st Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government in Accra, Ghana, on July 3, 2022. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Sunday elected Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco Embalo, the president of Guinea Bissau, as its new chairman. (Photo by Seth/Xinhua)

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GHANA-ACCRA-ECOWAS-ORDINARY SESSION

(220703) -- ACCRA, July 3, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Photo taken on July 3, 2022 shows the scene of the 61st Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government in Accra, Ghana. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Sunday elected Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco Embalo, the president of Guinea Bissau, as its new chairman. (Photo by Seth/Xinhua)

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Ghanaian FM calls for urgent attention to root out insecurity in West Africa

STORY: Ghanaian FM calls for urgent attention to root out insecurity in West Africa DATELINE: July 2, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:47 LOCATION: Accra CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of Ecowas flags 2. various of ECOWAS meeting 3. SOUNDBITE (English): SHIRLEY AYORKOR BOTCHWEY, Ghanaian Foreign Minister STORYLINE: Urgent attention is required to root out insecurity in West Africa, Ghanaian Foreign Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey said Wednesday. Botchwey, who is also the chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Council of Ministers, made this call during the opening of the 48th ordinary session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council at the Ministerial Level. Despite the untiring efforts by the leadership of the subregion, she said violent attacks were still persistent in the subregion. Botchwey stressed the best guarantee for the safety and improvement in the lives of citizens of ECOWAS would be the restoration of the atmosphere of peace and security in the subre

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ECOWAS rejects 36-month transition proposed by Guinean military leaders

STORY: ECOWAS rejects 36-month transition proposed by Guinean military leaders DATELINE: June 6, 2022 LENGTH: 00:02:00 LOCATION: Accra CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: various of the meetingSOUNDBITE (English): JEAN-CLAUDE KASSI BROU, ECOWAS Commission President STORYLINE: The leadership of an economic bloc in West Africa rejected a proposal by the military leaders of Guinea for a 36-month-long transitional period, the body's commission said late Saturday. Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission President Jean-Claude Kassi Brou said ECOWAS delayed the implementation of sanctions on Guinea following a military coup last year because the Guinean leaders had asked for some time to present a timetable for transition. SOUNDBITE (English): JEAN-CLAUDE KASSI BROU, ECOWAS Commission President "Meanwhile, the Guinean authorities have announced a 36-month transitional timetable. But the Authority of the Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS considered that 36 months is not acceptab

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Nigeria approves proposal for gas pipeline project to Morocco

STORY: Nigeria approves proposal for gas pipeline project to Morocco DATELINE: June 3, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:55 LOCATION: Abuja CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of council members preparing for meeting 2. various of the arrival of the vice president of Nigeria at council meeting 3. various of meeting 4. file footage of oil gas pipelines being laid by construction workers 5. SOUNDBITE (English): TIMIPRE SYLVA, Minister of state for petroleum resources STORYLINE: The Nigerian government on Wednesday approved a proposal for the construction of a gas pipeline connecting Nigeria and Morocco. Nigeria's Federal Executive Council at a weekly meeting approved a proposal presented by the ministry of petroleum resources and directed the state-run Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for the project, said Timipre Sylva, minister of state for petroleum resources, at a press briefing in Abuja. Sylva said t

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ECOWAS countries sign declaration to commit to Universal Health Coverage

STORY: ECOWAS countries sign declaration to commit to Universal Health Coverage DATELINE: May 16, 2022 LENGTH: 00:03:29 LOCATION: Accra CATEGORY: POLITICS/HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. various of the banner of the event 2. various of the signing of the declaration 3. various shots of participants 4. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): STANLEY OKOLO, Director-general of West African Health Organization 5. various shots of participants 6. various shots of hospital in Accra 7. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): KWAKU AGYEMAN-MANU, Ghana's Minister for Health STORYLINE: Member countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Friday signed a declaration in Accra, the capital of Ghana, to commit to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The pact, titled "The Accra Declaration," was signed by all 15 member states at the opening of the 23rd Ordinary Meeting of the Assembly of ECOWAS Health Ministers. "This declaration is a series of commitments we have discussed with the ministers to commit to delivering UHC," said Stan

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Over 16,000 killed in violent extremism in West Africa over three years: Ghanaian minister

STORY: Over 16,000 killed in violent extremism in West Africa over three years: Ghanaian minister DATELINE: May 7, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:55 LOCATION: Accra CATEGORY: MILITARY SHOTLIST: 1. various of military parade 2. various of participants attending a meeting 3. SOUNDBITE (English): DOMINIC NITIWUL, Ghana's Minister for Defence 4. various of group photo 5. various of participants STORYLINE: At least 16,726 people died in violent extremism in West Africa over the past three years, said a senior Ghanaian official Thursday. Dominic Nitiwul, Ghana's Minister for Defence, said this during the opening of the two-day extraordinary meeting of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff in the Ghanaian capital. Over the past three years, there have been 5,306 terror-related attacks within the subregion, claiming over 16,726 lives, with several thousand injuries and millions displaced, Nitiwul said. He added that more than 840 attacks had taken place in the first thr