By Olaniyi Ariyo, Abuja, Nigeria
As part of an effort to enhance civilian safety amid escalating regional conflicts, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have stressed the need to develop a comprehensive Protection of Civilians (PoC) policy for peace support operations.
At the event titled “ICRC-ECOWAS Protection of Civilians Policy Workshop” in Abuja, Mr. James Matthews, ICRC Deputy Head of Delegation, emphasized the organization’s neutral, impartial role in safeguarding lives and dignity during armed conflicts and violence.
“Civilians bear the brunt of armed conflict and acts of violence, including terrorism, and the direct and indirect effects impact millions worldwide and last long after hostilities end,” Matthews stated.
Highlighting the ICRC’s long-standing support for translating International Humanitarian Law (IHL) obligations into actionable doctrines, policies, and training, he referenced successful collaborations, such as the African Union Guidelines on the Protection of Civilians, and praised ECOWAS’s commitment to IHL through its longstanding Plan of Action and partnership with the ICRC.
“The ICRC is pleased to facilitate this process, bringing our experience and expertise to support constructive discussions and operationally grounded solutions,” he added.
In his remarks, Mr. Joseph Ahoba, Head of the Small Arms Division of ECOWAS, who represented Dr. Cyriaque Agnekethom, Director of Peacekeeping and Regional Security, underscored the strategic necessity of civilian protection.
“Preventing harm to civilians is not only a legal obligation under international humanitarian and human rights law but also a strategic imperative. We must note the legitimacy, credibility, and effectiveness of missions depend largely on the trust and confidence of the population we are mandated to protect,” Dr. Agnekethom declared.
Dr. Agnekethom outlined the workshop’s ambitious scope: to produce a policy providing concrete guidance on operational planning, rules of engagement, training, civil-military coordination, monitoring, reporting, accountability, and command responsibility.
“The policy we seek to develop must go beyond broad principles and provide practical guidance that strengthens every phase of mission planning and execution,” he said.
He therefore expressed optimism that the outcome will reinforce ECOWAS’s regional peace and security architecture while upholding human dignity in challenging environments.
The workshop session brings together representatives from ECOWAS member states, the ECOWAS Commission, security experts, and ICRC delegates to draft practical guidelines that integrate international humanitarian law (IHL) into regional missions.
