A two-day meeting of regional technical experts on political affairs, peace and security on Tuesday suggested the amendment of the existing instruments for promoting peace and security in West Africa so that they will reflect the region’s dynamics.
The second meeting of the ECOWAS Technical Committee of Experts on Political Affairs, Peace and Security, comprising directors of political affairs in the ministries of foreign affairs of member states, said after its second meeting in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso that the changes should be proposed by the ECOWAS Commission for consideration at a special session of the committee.
Among the instruments to be affected are the protocols on the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping and Security as well as the Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
The committee, which was created in December 2006 as an advisory body to the Mediation and Security Council, also recommended that member states ratify the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons, their ammunitions and other materials in order to stop the illegal control of arms, which has been fuelling conflicts in the region.
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