President Jean Claude Kassi Brou calls for increased Cooperation with the United States of America
10 Nov, 2018
 Abuja, 9th November, 2018. The President of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Jean-Claude Kassi Brou has called for increased cooperation with the government of the United States of America in the bid to ensure political stability, peace, security and economic development in the West Africa. He made this call while receiving the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Tibor Nagy and the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington during a courtesy visit at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria on 9th November 2018. While highlighting the need for the US to sustain its global role and influence given its strategic importance to West Africa, President Brou briefed the US delegation about ECOWAS interventions in the political affairs of Member States such as the peaceful transition of power in the Gambia and its initiatives to ensure peace and security in countries such as Mali, Guinea Bissau, Liberia and Sierra Leone.  Speaking about the Commission’s political intervention in Togo, President Brou stated that ECOWAS is working to ensure that Togo reviews its constitution in line with the regional standards which stipulates that there be a limit of two terms for Presidents. He also noted the importance of the upcoming elections in Nigeria and Senegal, stressing the need for them to be credible and peaceful as they are very import to the stability of the region. President Brou also informed the US delegation of the Commission’s commitment to improve inter regional trade which currently stands at 15% for formal trade and its steps to provide assistance for Member States in order to arrive at a common regional position on the African Continental free Trade Area. On his part, Mr. Tibor Nagy stated that indeed ECOWAS has made giant strides in the political affairs of its Member States and described the West African bloc as an example which other Regional Economic Communities should emulate. He reiterated the commitment of the United States to support initiatives that will create a conducive environment for foreign investments to thrive in West Africa. He stated that the United States through its International Development Finance Corporation to the tune of $60 billion will assist developing countries improve their infrastructure and economies. Also in attendance of the meeting were the Commission’s Vice President Madam Finda Koroma, the Commissioner for Finance Mrs. Halima Ahmed and the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security General Francis Béhanzin. |
