ECOWAS Peace Fund

We are the instrument for supporting the implementation of conflict prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping, and Security in the ECOWAS Region

Background

The ECOWAS Peace Fund (EPF) was established under Article 36 of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) 1999 Protocol relating to the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping and Security (also known as the Mechanism), signed by ECOWAS Heads of State and Government on 10 December 1999.

• The mechanism, the 1999 Protocol relating to the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping and Security.
• The 2001 Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance
• The ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework
• The ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons.
• ECOWAS Vision 2050, an ECOWAS of the people, namely a borderless, peaceful, fully integrated and prosperous West African Region, Peace and Properity for all.

Mission and Objectives

The mission of the EPF is to provide support to the realization of activities and initiatives for conflict prevention, management, resolution, peacekeeping, peacebuilding and recovery, while developing the capacities of relevant stakeholders to promote sustainable peace and human security across the West African region.

The main objectives are:

• To provide funding for ECOWAS peace and security activities that cannot be fortold or foreseen.
• To enable a rapid and flexible response to threats to peace and security in the West African region.
• To provide and strengthen capacities for preventive deployment and create a conducive environment for the deployment of regional or international peace support operations personnel
• To establish a framework that would allow for ECOWAS and the international community to respond to peace and security issues in West Africa.
• To offer assistance in building the capacities of stakeholders dedicated to fostering peace, preventing conflicts, ensuring security, promoting good governance and upholding human rights.
• To supplement the fianacial resources allocated to ECOWAS' ordinarynary budget, specifically for activities related to peace and security.

Operational Windows

The ECOWAS Peace Fund is an emergency fund which operates through three (3) operational windows:

Window 1supports conflict prevention and capacity building activities including preventive diplomacy, early-warning system, peace-building, training and sensitization programmes, good governance and human rights.

Window 2supports humanitarian assistance, recovery, peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction activities, including electoral processes, disarmament, demobilisation and rehabilitation programes, as well as socio-economic and reintegration activities, etc.

Window 3supports the deployment of civilian, police and military personnel for conflict management and peace interventions in Member States.

Beneficiariesinclude ECOWAS Institutions, Member States, Civil Society Organizations, Vulnerable groups (children, youth, women, physically challenged persons, refugees, displaced persons, etc.).

Governance and Management

The ECOWAS Commission has put in place structures, procedures and tools to ensure effective and efficient management of funds (transparency, traceability and accountability) under the Peace Fund.

Peace Fund Governance

The governance of the Peace Fund comprises of:

• The Steering Boardoversees and takes decision on the overall direction of the ECOWAS Peace Fund, the priorities for the fund interventions and consideration of specific programmes. The Board comprises the following representatives: Donors (2), West Africam Civil mSociety Organizations, Mediation and Security Council, the ECOWAS Commission (the Vice President, Commissioner of Human Development and Social Affairs, Commissioner Economic Affairs, Secretary General, Director of Legal Affairs).
• The Technical & Approval Committee's (TAC)role is to technically analyze and review and approve requests for funding. the committee makes recommendations to the steering board. The TAC members are directors in charge of Political Affairs, Peacekeeping and Regional Security, Humanitarian & Social Affairs, Early Warning Education, Private Sector, External Relations, Human Resources, General Administration, Communication, Strategic Planning / Monitoring & Evaluation, Budget & Treasury, Financial Reporting & Grants (3) representatives from the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council (at Ambassadorial level). The ECOWAS Peace Fund team assumes the role of a secretariat depending on the subject matter, the TAC may invite resource persons or attend some of its sessions.
• Audit and Control:The office of the Auditor General of ECOWAS Institutions regularly control the use of the funds and ensures the transparency of the operations under the Peace Fund. The Peace Fund is audited each year. Other audit exercises (external and internal) as well as independent evaluations are conducted as and when necessary.

Peace Fund Management

The management tea is made up of professionals who assume the day-to-day management and operations of the Fund;

• Planning, coordination, monitoring and evaluation.
• Resource mobilization and resource management.
• Support to specific programs and projects.
• Support to capacity building and knowledge management.

The ECOWAS Commission's Directorates for finance undertake the financial disbursements for projects as well as Window 1 and 2, with a special arrangement for Window 3, namely release of resources for field deployment (funds,services and expertise, goods, etc).

The Directorate for Administration handles administrative matters (procurement of goods, works and services).