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ECOWAS, Senegal and UNHCR Launch Joint Humanitarian Initiative to Support Refugees
ECOWAS, Senegal and UNHCR Launch Joint Humanitarian Initiative to Support Refugees
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in collaboration with the Government of Senegal and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), has officially launched a cooperation and humanitarian assistance initiative aimed at improving protection, livelihoods and social inclusion for refugees, asylum seekers and displaced persons in Senegal.
The launch ceremony, held in Dakar, brought together senior Senegalese government officials, ECOWAS commissioners, UNHCR representatives, development partners and leaders of refugee communities. The initiative marks a major implementation milestone of a project conceived in 2023, at a time when global humanitarian funding is declining and refugee assistance worldwide is under severe strain.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the ECOWAS Commission, officials described the programme as a demonstration of regional solidarity and a reaffirmation of ECOWAS’ commitment to human dignity. They noted that West Africa continues to face complex challenges including conflict, climate change, disasters and economic instability, all of which contribute to forced displacement and increased pressure on host communities.
The ECOWAS-supported intervention, valued at over 500,000 dollars, is designed to provide life-saving assistance while promoting sustainable livelihoods, social cohesion and peaceful coexistence between displaced populations and host communities. According to ECOWAS, the initiative goes beyond emergency relief by investing in long-term stability, national security and development.
Speaking on behalf of refugees and asylum seekers, the Chair of the Committee of Representatives of Refugees in Senegal, Mr. Lambert Koliti, welcomed the agreement as a vital source of hope for displaced families. He said the programme will expand access to education, vocational training, healthcare and social support, enabling refugees to rebuild their lives with dignity and contribute positively to their host communities.
Refugee leaders appealed to ECOWAS to support initiatives led by refugees and to integrate displaced persons into regional training, employment and entrepreneurship programmes. They also called on the Senegalese government to strengthen measures that promote durable solutions, including access to livelihoods and essential services.
In a statement delivered on behalf of UNHCR, the agency commended ECOWAS and Senegal for the strength of the tripartite partnership, describing it as a practical example of responsibility sharing in line with the Global Compact on Refugees. UNHCR emphasized that responses to forced displacement require collective, coordinated and predictable action rather than isolated national efforts.
Senegal was praised for its commitment to refugee protection, including recent legislative reforms that modernize the national asylum system and improve access to rights for refugees and stateless persons. Officials noted that these reforms contribute to broader ECOWAS efforts toward harmonized asylum governance across the region.
Despite ongoing institutional restructuring and funding constraints within the humanitarian sector, speakers expressed confidence that the cooperation framework would help pool resources, strengthen national capacities and deliver targeted support to the most vulnerable populations.
The launch concluded with renewed calls for sustained collaboration among ECOWAS, Senegal, UNHCR, development partners and refugee communities to ensure that no one is left behind, while promoting peace, resilience and regional solidarity across West Africa.
ECOWAS, Senegal and UNHCR Launch Joint Humanitarian Initiative to Support Refugees
Troops ambush terrorist group, recover bicycles in Marte–Dikwa axis
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army under the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, have repelled suspected terrorists during an ambush operation along the Marte–Dikwa axis of Borno.
Security sources said the encounter occurred late on March 13 when troops of the 50 Task Force Battalion under the 24 Task Force Brigade, in conjunction with personnel of the 134 Special Forces Battalion and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, laid an ambush along the main supply route between Marte and Dikwa in Borno State.
According to the sources, the troops made contact with a group of terrorists moving on bicycles at about 10:15 p.m.
The troops immediately engaged the insurgents forcing them to withdraw into nearby bushes.
During exploitation of the area, the troops recovered the corpse of one suspected terrorist, four bicycles and other sundry items believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing insurgents.
Troops ambush terrorist group, recover bicycles in Marte–Dikwa axis
Oshodi will represent Africa’s interest at WTT, says Mailantarki
The Vice President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Hon. Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki, has hailed the appointment of Nigeria’s foremost table tennis administrator, Wahid Oshodi to the Board of World Table Tennis (WTT).
Hon. Mailantarki described the appointment as a “round peg in a round hole,” noting that Oshodi’s elevation to the game’s apex commercial body is a testament to his track record of excellence.
Oshodi, who is the current President of the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) and Executive Vice President of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), was appointed as a Director to represent the ITTF on the WTT Board alongside ITTF President Petra Sörling.
“This is a proud moment for Nigeria and a victory for the African continent,” Mailantarki stated.
“Barrister Oshodi has risen through the ranks from the national level to the continental stage with a vision that has transformed the sport.
“Having him as a decision-maker at the highest level of World Table Tennis ensures that African interests are well-represented.”
The NTTF Vice President further congratulated the Nigerian sports community, emphasizing that Oshodi’s presence in the WTT inner circle will serve as a catalyst for the continued growth and commercialization of the game globally.
Oshodi will represent Africa’s interest at WTT, says Mailantarki
Troops rescue six kidnapped victims after gun battle with terrorists in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 1 Division Nigerian Army under Operation FANSAN YANMA have rescued six kidnapped victims after engaging suspected terrorists in a gun battle in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the rescue operation followed credible intelligence on the movement of armed terrorists suspected to be transporting abducted victims through forest routes in the area.
According to the sources, troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gurara, under Sub-Sector 4 of Operation FANSAN YANMA, responded swiftly to the intelligence at about 7 a.m. on March 14.
The troops subsequently laid an ambush at a suspected crossing point used by the terrorists around Sabon Kurutu Village in Kachia LGA.
“During the operation, troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them in a fierce gun battle. The criminals, overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the troops, fled into the surrounding bush, abandoning some items,” the source said.
Following the engagement, troops combed the general area and successfully rescued six kidnapped victims. However, a seventh victim, a minor, was reported to have died during the crossfire between the troops and the fleeing terrorists.
Troops also recovered three motorcycles believed to have been used by the terrorists during the movement of the abducted victims.
Preliminary interrogation of the rescued victims revealed that they were abducted earlier on March 14 from Janjala Village in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The victims said they had been moved through forest routes by the terrorists before the troops intercepted them.
The rescued victims and the body of the deceased minor were evacuated to Katari Hospital for medical attention and other necessary procedures.
Military sources said families of the rescued victims had been contacted.
The Military said the troops 1 Division Operation FANSAN YANMA and other task force has continued sustained offensives and intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling terrorist and bandit networks across the North-West region.
Troops rescue six kidnapped victims after gun battle with terrorists in Kaduna
Troops ambush terrorist group, recover bicycles in Marte–Dikwa axis
Oshodi will represent Africa’s interest at WTT, says Mailantarki
Troops rescue six kidnapped victims after gun battle with terrorists in Kaduna
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