PRESS STATEMENT
The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger from ECOWAS has become effective today, 29th January 2025. However, in the spirit of regional solidarity and in the interest of the people, as well as the decision of the ECOWAS Authority to keep ECOWAS’ doors open, all relevant authorities within and outside ECOWAS Member States are requested and required to:
a) recognize National passports and identity cards bearing ECOWAS logo held by the citizens of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger, until further notice.
b) continue to treat goods and services coming from the three countries in accordance with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and investment policy.
c) allow citizens of the three affected countries to continue to enjoy the right of visa free movement, residence and establishment in accordance with the ECOWAS protocols until further notice.
d) provide full support and cooperation to ECOWAS officials from the three countries in the course of their assignments for the Community.
These arrangements will be in place until the full determination of the modalities of our future engagement with the three countries by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. The Commission has set up a structure to facilitate discussions on these modalities with each of the three countries. This message is necessary to avoid confusion and disruption in the lives and businesses of our people during this transition period.
January 29th, 2025
Join us in celebrating 40 years of College by supporting our students in their challenge to walk 40 miles with an 80's theme! Students & staff across the College will be taking on this challenge to raise funds for our students. Click the link to sponsor: https://t.co/jqJKP5FXpQ
Israel launching a full-blown ground war in Gaza will massively increase the already awful civilian death toll. I understand the desire to wipe out Hamas after last week’s wicked terror attacks, but how can killing so many innocent Palestinians in the process be justified?
Forgive me, like most people in the United States, I am against any form of racism and discrimination based on race, gender, or anything else. I am not an exception; most people share this belief. Most people don't care who manufactures the computer or phone they are currently using as they read this. When most people are sick, they just want the best doctor and the best medication that can cure them.
However, I find it disturbing that race is often exploited for political gain. The argument goes as follows: some people, primarily conservatives, are labeled as racists while the other side is portrayed as the virtuous ones. By doing this, the 1 percent who control all the resources and oppress the majority of the people are able to divide and rule.
In reality, the individuals who profit from wars, pandemics, and crises are a tiny minority, while the rest of us, regardless of race—be it black, white, or brown—suffer the consequences. Instead of holding the true culprits accountable, we start blaming different races, political parties, states, and communities. In reality, those who hold power over the majority of us are the same individuals.
As a black person, I simply want to do my job and receive the necessary support and resources to do so. I have positive relationships with some people, irrespective of their race, and I may not get along with others. This is a natural part of life, and it's okay.
What I am expressing is my frustration with the hypocrisy we witness: we advocate for freedom when it comes to issues like abortion, but the moment individuals express their desire to choose whether or not to be vaccinated, we dismiss their freedom.
While millions of police officers carry out their duties responsibly every day, the actions of one bad cop who behaves improperly and kills someone lead us to wrongly believe that all police officers are the same. This is untrue. Do we excuse wrongful behavior? Absolutely not. Do we need reforms? Yes, unquestionably. Do we pay attention to the hundreds of people killed every day by their neighbors? Of course not.
From my experience, the best way to uplift the poor is through economic transformation. By the time the police are called, it is already too late. Like most black people I just want to have the resources needed to live a decent life. But when one percent of people hijack everything and we fail to recognize the deceit, we begin to chase shadows. May God assist us.
Piers Morgan angrily denies being "racially prejudiced" in explosive race row
Piers was accused by Black Lives Matter activist Imran Ayton after white theatre-goers were urged not to buy a ticket for theatre performance.
The Theatre Royal Stratford East has said white people are not "excluded" from the show, Tambo & Bones, but urge white visitors to stay away so the predominantly black audience can watch it "free from the white gaze".
The production explores 300 years of African-American history and is scheduled to run for one month. But the show on July 5 is being promoted as a 'Black Out' to create a safe space for black audiences to look at race-related issues.
Speaking to TalkTV contributor Esther Krakue and Black Lives Matter activist Imarn Ayton, Piers said: "I don't think any form of art should ever be exclusionary on the grounds of skin colour, regardless of who it's targeted to.
"The whole point of art is it should be for everybody. There's nothing racially equal about this. You can't tell me what I'm thinking or my opinions."
Ms Ayton replied: "But that's what racially prejudiced people like you do to me."
Click to read more on TalkTV https://t.co/bBwUh83EQa
This afternoon in the Canadian House of Commons, I presented my annual one-minute statement for World Autism Awareness Day, with Jaden watching from the gallery for the first time in four years! 🙂
If your child has an EHC plan and is this year transferring from these settings, the deadline for your LA to have reviewed & amended your child’s EHC plan is TODAY.
If you haven’t received an amended plan you can write to your LA using our model letter:
https://t.co/WwNtG7Qcz3
Hayley wants to know what it will take to get her autistic son the education he needs.
Listen to Hayley's story on @BBCRadio4 at 8pm tonight where she speaks with our Chief Exec @AliFiddy about the many issues facing families of children & YP with SEND👇
https://t.co/w2t4db5N2R
The value of the pound has fallen and is worth less than it was just two months ago. Here's a summary from @WhichUK of how your pension, holiday and mortgage might be affected...
https://t.co/bnN77uqRAz
@meghamohan If I say this is wrong and the international community should be sanctioning Israel, will I be accused os being anti Semitic? Where in fact I just want justice, humanity and tolerance shown to others with different beliefs.