West Africa: MFWA, Ecowas Hold Strategic Meeting to Strengthen Media and Democracy in West Africa

5 September 2024
Media Foundation for West Africa (Accra)
press release

The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have taken another significant step towards strengthening democratic values and media freedom in the region.

This follows a two-day strategic planning session held on September 3-4, 2024, at the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja, Nigeria. The event marks a key milestone in the implementation of the historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two organizations in December 2023, which underscores the critical role of media in achieving ECOWAS' vision of "peace and prosperity for all" by 2050.

The strategic planning session, officially opened by Abdou Kolley, Director of the Cabinet of the ECOWAS Commission President, brought together representatives from ECOWAS, the management of the MFWA, National Partners of the MFWA and other Civil Society representatives, communication experts, the media, and policymakers across the sub-region. The session focused on key thematic areas outlined in the MoU, including enhancing media capacity to uphold democratic norms, countering violent extremism and mis/disinformation, and promoting media freedom and access to information across West Africa. These discussions are particularly timely, as the region continues to face challenges such as polarization, radicalization, and the rise of anti-democratic narratives.

In his opening remarks, MFWA's Executive Director, Mr. Sulemana Braimah, highlighted the importance of the partnership, noting that it provides an opportunity to synergize efforts in addressing these pressing issues.

"This collaboration allows us to leverage each other's strengths and resources to effectively confront the critical challenges facing our region," Mr. Braimah said.

The session also saw contributions from key ECOWAS officials, including the Acting Director of Communications, Joel Ahofodji, who emphasized the strategic role of media in shaping public opinion and promoting peace and stability in West Africa.

Participants engaged in group discussions and presentations on various themes such as increasing citizens' awareness of ECOWAS and its activities, improving media freedom and digital rights, and the media's role in realising the ECOWAS Vision 2050.

The outcomes of these discussions will be consolidated into a work plan that will guide future collaborative efforts between ECOWAS and MFWA.

Read the original of this report, with tables and illustrations where appropriate.

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