The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in partnership with the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) and the Permanent Interstate Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS), hosted the first Regional Water Forum in West Africa (FREAO) in Abidjan on September 24-25. The forum brought together heads of government, ministers, regional institutions, river basin organizations, development partners, academics, private sector representatives, and civil society organizations. The event was themed "Valuing Water to Transform West Africa."
The forum aimed to promote a regional agenda on water security, climate resilience, sustainable development, and regional integration. Participants adopted the Abidjan Declaration, a common regional agenda for sustainable water management. The declaration is expected to guide West African countries in managing their water resources effectively. The forum provided a platform for stakeholders to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices in water management.
The Prime Minister of Côte d'Ivoire, Robert Beugré Mambé, emphasized the need for strengthened cooperation in water management, describing it as a strategic political choice and a pillar of regional stability. He called on West African countries to work together to address the challenges facing the region's water resources. Mambé's remarks underscored the importance of collective action in ensuring sustainable water management.
Amin Amidu Sulemani, Commissioner representing the President of the African Union's Commission on Water and Sanitation (AMCOW), General Birame Diop, described the forum as a regional call to action. He stressed the need for West African countries to prioritize water security, climate resilience, and economic development. Sulemani's statement highlighted the importance of integrated water resources management in achieving regional development goals.
The Abidjan Declaration is expected to guide West African countries in managing their water resources sustainably. The declaration emphasizes the need for cooperation, coordination, and collective action in addressing the region's water challenges. By adopting the declaration, West African countries have demonstrated their commitment to promoting sustainable water management and regional cooperation.
The first edition of the FREAO marked a significant milestone in West Africa's efforts to prioritize water as a development and peacebuilding lever. The forum provided a platform for stakeholders to engage in discussions on water management and regional cooperation. The event also offered an opportunity for countries to share their experiences and best practices in water management.
The next edition of the FREAO will be hosted by Cape Verde. The country's selection as host reflects its commitment to promoting sustainable water management and regional cooperation. The forum's outcomes are expected to contribute to the achievement of West Africa's development goals, including those related to water security, climate resilience, and economic development.
Key points
- West African countries adopt Abidjan Declaration to promote sustainable water management and regional cooperation.
- The declaration emphasizes the need for cooperation, coordination, and collective action in addressing the region's water challenges.
- The next edition of the FREAO will be hosted by Cape Verde.
