ECOWAS launches humanitarian support initiative for persons of concern in Côte d’Ivoire

Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire 11th November, 2025, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially launched a humanitarian support initiative to assist persons of concern in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire. Acting on behalf of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, and the Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, Prof. Fatou Sow Sarr, the initiative was unveiled by Dr. Sintiki Tarfa-Ugbe, Director of the ECOWAS Humanitarian and Social Affairs Directorate, reaffirming ECOWAS’ steadfast commitment to regional solidarity, compassion, and resilience.

West Africa continues to face the effects of conflict, climate shocks, and socio-political instability, resulting in widespread displacement. Known for its hospitality, Côte d’Ivoire has long provided refuge to displaced persons from neighboring countries such as Liberia, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Mali, and currently hosts over one million persons of concern, according to UNHCR estimates (September 2025).

In solidarity with the Ivorian government and people, ECOWAS has allocated USD 1,036,416 to support displaced persons and host communities, underscoring that humanitarian assistance is not merely financial aid but a shared moral and regional responsibility to ensure that no one is left behind.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Sintiki Tarfa-Ugbe reaffirmed ECOWAS’ unwavering commitment to protecting and improving the lives of persons of concern, those displaced or rendered stateless by conflict and natural disasters, while promoting regional solidarity, resilience and dedication to humanitarian action and inclusive development. stating:

“This initiative is a testament to our belief that regional challenges require regional solutions. Through collaboration, innovation, and compassion, we can build a West Africa where every person lives in safety, dignity, and hope.”

The Resident Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Mr. Olivier Guillaume Beer, lauded the initiative as “the result of exemplary collaboration”, highlighting that it reflects a shared determination to meet the needs of forcibly displaced persons, estimated at around 90,000 in Côte d’Ivoire, while strengthening the resilience of the host communities that continue to receive them with generosity and dignity.

Mr. Joachim KANTE, Director of Cabinet of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Ivorians Abroad, H.E. Kacou Léon ADOM, expressed heartfelt appreciation to ECOWAS, describing the US$1,036,416 support as “a significant relief in addressing the country’s ongoing humanitarian challenges.”

Through this ECOWAS funding, the Humanitarian Assistance Project for Displaced Persons, Stateless Persons and Host Communities will:

• Provide cash assistance to 400 flood-affected households in northern Côte d’Ivoire;
• Issue 1,000 biometric passports to refugees;
• Deliver cash and food support to approximately 18,500 forcibly displaced persons and host community members across the districts of Abidjan, Bas-Sassandra, Montagnes, Sassandra-Marahoué, Savanes, and Zanzan; and
• Construct nine human-powered water pumps in host villages to enhance access to safe drinking water.

The event’s highlight was the official presentation of the cheque worth US$1,036,416 by Madam Fathma Diarre Mahan, Acting ECOWAS Special Representative to Côte d’Ivoire, to Mr. Joachim KANTE, who received it on behalf of the Government of Côte d’Ivoire.