On Tuesday, December 5, 2023, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) entered into a significant four-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), solidifying their commitment to mutual collaboration and cooperation.
The historic MoU, signed by H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, and Sulemana Braimah, Executive Director of the MFWA, outlines a comprehensive framework for joint efforts in fostering democratic values, media freedom, development, human rights, and peace in the West African region.
Key areas of collaboration outlined in the MoU include building media capacity to strengthen democratic norms, countering narratives of violent extremism, polarization, radicalization, misinformation, and hate speech.
Additionally, the partnership aims to promote media freedom, freedom of expression both online and offline, access to information, and coordination with regional media partners to enhance citizens’ awareness of ECOWAS and its activities across Member States.
During the signing ceremony, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah (PhD), the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security (PAPS), underscored the strategic importance of MFWA as a trusted partner capable of addressing critical regional challenges.
He emphasized the pivotal role of the media in shaping public opinion in favor of democratic values and combating the rise of anti-democratic narratives in the region.
Commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah highlighted the MoU’s significance in advancing ECOWAS‘ vision for 2050, emphasizing “ECOWAS of the peoples: peace and prosperity for all.”
Sulemana Braimah, the Executive Director of the MFWA, expressed his satisfaction with the formalization of relations between the two organizations. He highlighted the partnership’s potential to create synergies and leverage resources, effectively addressing the critical challenges confronting the region.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior ECOWAS officials and key staff members of the MFWA, signifying a united commitment to the shared objectives outlined in the MoU.