Last year, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) formed a new Emergency Response Unit (ERU) with a focus both on armed conflict and natural disasters. According to the acting head of department, Ms. Henrietta Didigu, the ERU will be focused on harmonizing standards for emergency response in member states and developing regional cooperation.
The ERU was formed on the basis of the regional Disaster Risk Reduction Plan of Action modelled on the Hyogo Framework for Action. The plan contemplates that ECOWAS will promote effective disaster risk reduction legislation in member states and eventually also assist in the coordination of sub-regional disaster response activities.
“Our first task is to look at systems within member states and then we will begin work on developing cross-border cooperation,” Didigu said.
With support from the United Nations, the ECOWAS ERU has already begun to provide training to member state disaster officials on principles and values and mechanisms for humanitarian assistance.
The ERU is also interested in cooperation with the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
“In partnership with the ICRC, we have ensured the adoption of humanitarian laws at the national level. We are also initiating contacts with National Red Cross Societies,” Didigu said.