The Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Ambassador Dr. Abdel-Fatau Musah, welcomed the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, on 20 June 2024 in Abuja.

The purpose of the courtesy visit was to discuss areas of collaboration between ECOWAS and the Network of Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA). The Chairman of EFCC took advantage of the visit to inform ECOWAS about the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Network and to seek collaboration on this event.

It will be recalled that in 2022, Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was elected as the Chair of NACIWA in line with NACIWA whose establishment was facilitated by ECOWAS. This visit equally underscored the ongoing commitment of both institutions to address pressing regional challenges, including terrorism, judicial corruption, and extraterritorial investigation of crimes.

During the meeting, discussions centered on enhancing regional cooperation to combat terrorism, disrupt terrorist financing, and address judicial corruption through structural reforms. The importance of strengthening collaboration with national anti-corruption institutions and fostering cross-border cooperation to tackle illicit financial flows and cross-border crime was also highlighted.

Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah emphasized that terrorism remains a major threat in West Africa. He noted the complexities of tracking and disrupting terrorist financing across borders and stressed the necessity of collaborative efforts with neighboring countries, especially in the light of recent political developments in the region. He added that addressing judicial corruption was critical for promoting good governance, as corruption undermines judicial integrity and facilitates “cash and carry justice” where decisions are influenced by financial incentives rather than the rule of law.

The Chairman of EFCC, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, while emphasizing the good track record of the EFCC, reiterated his commitment to combating economic and financial crimes and highlighted the strong relationship between security and economic stability. He emphasized the need for cooperation to tackle illicit financial flows and promote good governance, stating, “Upon assuming office, I pledged to assist in addressing the challenges of corruption and ensuring peace in our country and the region. We must work together to synergize our efforts and move the Commission and our nations forward.” He also stressed the importance of supporting the mandate of the Network of National Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA) and revitalizing its activities.

Efforts to fight corruption are supported by various ECOWAS protocols and initiatives. The Directorate of Political Affairs is collaborating with partners, including the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to support the 6th Annual General Assembly of NACIWA. This assembly aims to develop guidelines on asset recovery and borderless investigations, enhancing regional efforts against corruption.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The Joint Assessment Mission of the International Moral Guarantors of the Agreement for National Unity comprising the ECOWAS, AU and UNOWAS, concludes its four-day Mission in Sierra Leone today, 215t June 2024.

The Joint Assessment Mission was co-led by H.E. Fatoumata Jallow­-Tambajang, former Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia and H.E. Leonardo Santos Simão, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS). The Joint Mission was facilitated by the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC), in concert with a representative of the African Union Commission, and technical experts from the ECOWAS Commission and UNOWAS.

The Joint Assessment Mission was undertaken on the heels of the expected conclusion of the report of the Tripartite Committee, which was constituted by the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone on 19th December 2023, as one of the eight resolutions of the Agreement for National Unity (AU) signed between the Government of Sierra Leone and the All Peoples Congress (APC) party on 18th October 2023.

The delegation paid a courtesy visit to H.E. Julius Maada Bio, the President of Republic of Sierra Leone, and had consultations with the leadership of the APC party, senior Government officials, other political parties, representatives of the hierarchy of the national security agencies, as well as the diplomatic community in Sierra Leone.

Discussions with the different interlocutors centred around the implementation of the various resolutions of the Agreement for National Unity, the challenges encountered and the need to continue with political dialogue to address differences for the sake of peace, stability, and national cohesion. The Mission, however, notes, with concern, the spate of disinformation and misinformation on social media, which is threatening the collective efforts of the different stakeholders towards achieving the objectives of the Agreement.

Whilst the Mission commends all stakeholders for their commitments to continue dialogue, exhibited through the issuance of a Joint Statement on 19th June 2024, committing to the implementation of Resolution Three of the Agreement for National Unity and strengthening of inclusive democracy, it urges all stakeholders to give significant attention to the full implementation of the resolutions of the Agreement.

As International Moral Guarantors of the Agreement, the Joint Mission calls on the development partners of Sierra Leone to continue to remain hopeful and increase their assistance to the Government and people of Sierra Leone, and further reiterates its unalloyed commitments to continue to accompany the implementation of the Agreement, for the peace, stability and national cohesion of the country.

The Joint ECOWAS-AU-UNOWAS Assessment Mission reiterates its call on all political actors and the citizens to continue to remain calm and to prioritize peace, unity, and stability of the country above every other partisan interest.

The Mission acknowledges the call of the stakeholders to increase the regularity of visits of the International Moral Guarantors to ensure the smooth implementation of the Agreement for National Unity.

The Mission expresses deep appreciation to the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Omar Alieu Touray and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki for availing the opportunity to undertake the assignment.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The ECOWAS Regional Animal Health Center (RAHC) successfully deployed the Regional Animal Health Information System (RAHIS) in Assinie, Côte d’Ivoire. This initiative marks a significant step in enhancing animal health surveillance and management across the ECOWAS region.

The training session, held from 19 to 21 June, brought together veterinary professionals, animal health experts and information systems specialists from the Member States, who received practical guidance on the implementation and use of RAHIS.

The system is designed to improve data collection, communication, and analysis of animal health information, thereby enhancing the region’s capacity to monitor and control animal diseases.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The Glasgow Warriors delivered an impressive, polished second-half performance to clinch the Vodacom United Rugby Championship with a pulsating 21-16 triumph over the Vodacom Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday evening.

The Vodacom Bulls led 13-7 at halftime after both sides managed to score a converted try, with fly half Johan Goosen’s two successful penalty goals separating the teams at the break.

However, the Warriors successfully turned things around in the second half to score two more converted tries and then showed true warrior spirit in defence to restrict the Bulls to just one penalty goal in a second period that was loaded with drama.

The result meant bitter disappointment for the Pretoria franchise for the second time in three years following their narrow loss to the DHL Stormers two years ago in Cape Town.

On a typical Highveld winter’s evening, the two teams came into the final with a reputation for playing attacking rugby. They didn’t disappoint the capacity Loftus crowd by delivering two action-packed halves, which eventually finished in favour of a jubilant Glasgow team.

The hosts struck early through two Goosen penalties after the referee had dished out a handful of early penalties against the Warriors, who initially struggled to contain the Bulls at the breakdown.

With their lineout functioning well and a solid scrum providing an ideal attacking platform, the Bulls launched several threatening attacks.

Scrumhalf Embrose Papier made a dangerous break, and a certain try was foiled just as he was about to release the final pass, while a barging Wilco Louw was held up over the try line.

However, the Bulls finally got their try when Springbok Marco van Staden, who had an impressive first half, shrugged off several tackles to score from a clever, short lineout. Goosen was on target with the conversion to increase the lead to 13-0.

The Bulls would have been disappointed to drop their guard when Glasgow’s No 4 lock George Cummings dived over for their first try on the stroke of halftime, which pulled them right back into the game, with the halftime score at 13-7.

Replacement hooker George Turner scored their second try, 14 minutes after the break, from a menacing lineout mall, and when Horne steered the conversion skilfully through the sticks, the visitors were back within two points at 16-14 following an earlier Goosen penalty.

The Scottish side was now into their stride and played much better in the second stanza, once they’ve managed to solve their discipline issues. They proved to be a handful with ball in hand and tested the Bulls defence on numerous occasions.

They deservedly took the lead in the 63rd minute through midfielder Hugh Jones’ try, with Horne making no mistake with the extras to edge them 21-16 in front. Minutes later they had a fourth try chalked off because of an illegal, early tackle on a Kurt-Lee Arendse, much to the relief of the Bulls faithful.

However, there was late drama when the Bulls were awarded a penalty and launched several maul attacks, but the Warriors defended heroically to gain a famous victory in the Jacaranda City.

Scorers:

Vodacom Bulls (13) 16 – Tries: Marco van Staden. Conversion: Johan Goosen. Penalties: Goosen (3).

Glasgow Warriors (7) 21 – Tries: Scott Cummings, George Turner, Hugh Jones. Conversions: George Horne (3).

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Rugby.

Media managers’ contacts:

Team

Media manager

E-mail address

Vodacom Bulls

Lunga Kupiso

lunga.k@bluebull.co.za

DHL Stormers

Michael de Vries

mdevries@wprugby.co.za

Emirates Lions

Nyaniso Sam

nyaniso@ellispark.co.za

Hollywoodbets Sharks

Novashni Chetty

novashni@thesharks.co.za

URC

Adam Redmond

adam.redmond@unitedrugby.com

For further information, please contact:
Andy Colquhoun
GM: Communications and Commercial
+27 (0) 21 928 7010
+27 (0) 82 926 0789
andyc@sarugby.co.za

De Jongh Borchardt
Communications Manager
+27 (0) 21 928 7021
+27 (0) 82 999 9979
dejonghb@sarugby.co.za

Rayaan Adriaanse
Junior Rugby Media Manager
+27 (0) 21 928 7013
+27 (0) 82 999 0022
rayaan@sarugby.co.za

Sindiswa Ximba
Media Operations Coordinator
+27 (0) 21 928 7011
+27 (0) 60 504 1069
sindiswa.ximba@sarugby.co.za

Zeena Isaacs
Springbok Media Manager
+27 (0) 21 928 7020
+27 (0) 82 357 3112
ZeenaI@sarugby.co.za

JJ Harmse
Sevens and Women’s Rugby Media Manager
+27 (0) 21 928 7014
+27 (0) 71 480 4570
jjharmse@sarugby.co.za

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SA teams’ digital platforms:

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