NEWRMC Commemorates ECOWAS Day, Presents 2025 Annual Report to Parliament
The National Early Warning and Response Mechanism Centre Sierra Leone (NEWRMC-SL) joined other member states across West Africa on May 28 to commemorate the 51st anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), marking another milestone in the region’s journey toward integration and development.
As part of the celebration, the Centre’s 2025 Annual Report was formally laid before Parliament by the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Ballay. The report highlighted the Centre’s achievements during the year, including the production of 52 reports aimed at strengthening early warning systems and promoting human security across Sierra Leone.
Addressing Members of Parliament and attendees, Minister Ballay described NEWRMC as a vital component of the ECOWAS early warning and response network. She noted that the occasion coincided with a significant period for Sierra Leone, as President Julius Maada Bio currently serves as Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.
According to the Minister, the Centre has played a transformative role in national security and governance by shifting the country’s approach from reactive responses to proactive interventions. She urged partner institutions to pay close attention to the Centre’s warnings and recommendations, emphasizing their importance in safeguarding citizens and preventing potential crises.
Madam Ballay commended NEWRMC for its consistent contribution in promoting peace, stability, and human security. She also paid tribute to the Centre’s Executive Director, Mrs. Francess A.M. Nyuma, describing her as a key pillar behind the institution’s success. While praising the Centre’s achievements, she observed that its work has not received the level of public visibility and recognition it deserves despite its significant impact.
This year’s ECOWAS Day was celebrated under the theme, “Celebrating 51 Years of Regional Integration,” reflecting the organization’s vision of building a prosperous and united community for more than 400 million citizens across West Africa. The event brought together the ECOWAS Representative in Sierra Leone and his delegation, officials from the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, as well as the leadership and staff of NEWRMC.
Speaking during the ceremony, ECOWAS Representative to Sierra Leone, Ambassador John Azumah, described the 51st anniversary as a major achievement for the regional bloc. He highlighted several accomplishments recorded over the past five decades, including the promotion of free movement among member states, improved transport connectivity across the region, progress toward a single regional currency, and increased intra-regional trade through common external tariffs.
Ambassador Azumah also pointed to social sector achievements, particularly humanitarian assistance and development initiatives. He referenced the mobilization of funds for the establishment of a sanitary pad factory in Kono District and emphasized ECOWAS’s commitment to gender equality and youth empowerment. Despite these successes, he acknowledged that political instability remains a major challenge facing the region.
In her remarks, Executive Director Mrs. Francess A.M. Nyuma expressed gratitude to Minister Ballay for her unwavering support and leadership. She also commended Ambassador Azumah and reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with ECOWAS and its supervising ministry. Looking ahead, Mrs. Nyuma noted that while ECOWAS celebrates its 51st anniversary, NEWRMC is preparing to mark its own fifth anniversary. She stressed that the Centre’s goals can only be achieved through sustained partnerships, cooperation, and collective commitment from all stakeholders.