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Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), through its Humanitarian and Social Affairs Directorate and in collaboration with national partners, has officially launched a groundbreaking project in Sierra Leone aimed at strengthening support for Persons of Concern (PoCs) and host communities.
The initiative focuses on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), refugees, returnees, stateless persons, asylum seekers, and host populations. It reaffirms ECOWAS’s commitment to humanitarian protection, resilience, and inclusive development across the region, while also addressing Sierra Leone’s unique challenges in displacement and migration.
At the launch ceremony, Kenya Ballay, Minister of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), underscored the national importance of the project. “Today marks a significant milestone in our collective journey toward inclusive growth and regional integration,” she said. Ballay explained that a comprehensive national plan has been developed to serve both Sierra Leoneans and communities across ECOWAS.
As part of the initiative, tokens will be distributed to beneficiaries through the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB), ensuring transparency, accessibility, and accountability. She expressed gratitude to the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) for its unwavering commitment, noting that its dedication was instrumental in bringing the project to fruition.
Dr. Susan Robert, Deputy Commissioner of NaCSA, highlighted the role of national institutions in driving implementation. “NaCSA is proud to partner with ECOWAS in this transformative project. Our mandate has always been to protect the vulnerable and empower communities. By focusing on both persons of concern and host populations, we are promoting coexistence, reducing tensions, and creating pathways for sustainable livelihoods. This is a model of humanitarian action that is both inclusive and forward-looking,” she remarked.
Representing ECOWAS, John Azumah, Resident Representative to Sierra Leone, emphasized the regional dimension of the initiative. “ECOWAS stands firmly with Sierra Leone in advancing humanitarian and social protection. This project reflects our collective responsibility to safeguard human dignity across West Africa. By strengthening national institutions and supporting communities, we are laying the foundation for resilience, peace, and regional stability,” Azumah stated.
The official launch marks a new chapter in Sierra Leone’s humanitarian landscape. By addressing both immediate needs and long-term resilience, the ECOWAS-supported project is poised to transform lives, strengthen communities, and reinforce regional solidarity. It signals a future where humanitarian action is not only about relief but also about building inclusive systems that foster peace and sustainable development across the region.
