ECOWAS SUPPORTS VALIDATION OF THE GAMBIA’S NATIONAL EARLY WARNING AND RESPONSE POLICY

The ECOWAS Early Warning Directorate (EWD), in partnership with the ECOWAS Peace, Security and Governance (EPSG) Project, supported the Validation Workshop of The Gambia’s National Early Warning and Response (NEWAR) Policy in Banjul from 1–2 June 2026.

The workshop aimed to review and validate the draft policy framework designed to strengthen national capacities for risk monitoring, information sharing, coordinated response, and conflict prevention. The policy development process complements ongoing national and regional efforts to strengthen the ECOWAS Early Warning Directorate, National Centres for the Coordination of Response Mechanisms (NCCRMs), and national institutions responsible for peacebuilding, governance, and preventive action.

Representing the ECOWAS Early Warning Directorate, Mr. Tunji Olonode, Head of Division, Systems Management and Planning, reaffirmed ECOWAS’ commitment to supporting Member States in strengthening national early warning and response mechanisms and enhancing collaboration between national and regional early warning systems. He highlighted the importance of effective coordination, timely information sharing, and evidence-based analysis in supporting preventive action and informed decision-making.

Speaking at the workshop, Mr. Raphael Brigandi, Head of Mission of the European Union Delegation to The Gambia, stressed the importance of strong institutional partnerships and sustainable investments in early warning and conflict prevention, while Madam. Binta Singhateh, Director of the National Centre for the Coordination of Response Mechanisms (NCCRM), underscored the importance of a coordinated national approach to strengthening early warning and response capacities. Representing the ECOWAS Resident Representative to The Gambia, Mr. Claude Kondor -Political Adviser, highlighted the importance of collaboration, national ownership, and information sharing in advancing peace and security objectives.

Declaring the workshop open on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Vice President of The Gambia, Mr. Seringe Falu Njie – Technical Adviser in the Office of Vice President, The Gambia reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening national mechanisms for early warning, response coordination, and conflict prevention as key pillars for promoting peace, stability, and human security.

The workshop brought together representatives of government institutions, security agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, academia, and ECOWAS structures and is expected to strengthen national coordination, information sharing, and early warning capacities in support of peace and stability in The Gambia.

The activity was supported through the ECOWAS Peace, Security and Governance (EPSG) Project, commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and co-financed by the European Union and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark.