IMPLEMENTING THE ECOWAS IDEA IN SIERRA LEONE

Siège institutionnel : Université de Yaoundé II-SOA, CAMEROUN Host institution: University of Yaoundé II-SOA, CAMEROON ip MASTER OF SCIENCE IN GOVERNANCE AND REGIONAL INTEGRATION OPTION: REGIONAL INTEGRATION Implementing the ECOWAS Idea in Sierra Leone Internship carried out at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development An Internship Report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of a Master Degree in Governance and Regional Integration by Pan African University By Sahr Titus Komba B.A. in History and Sociology Under the co-supervision of Professional Supervisor Mr. Yousuf .F. Benga-Samah ECOWAS National Desk Officer- Sierra Leone, Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, Republic of Sierra Leone, George Street, Freetown, Sierra Leone. P.O. Box 232 Academic Supervisor Prof. Fongot Kini-yen-Kinni Lecturer, Pan African University Institute of Governance, Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Yaoundé II, Soa, Cameroon And October 2017 “The real challenge before African leaders in the new millennium is to develop a strategy that enhances the political, economic, social and cultural integration of the continent, while simultaneously ensuring that it is not further marginalized within the world economy.” Margaret Lee, Regionalism in Africa: A part of problem or a part of solution, 2002. Margaret Lee, Regionalism in Africa: A part of problem or a part of solution, 2002. DEDICATION This work is dedicated to staffs of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development Republic of Sierra Leone and especially those at the Division of Regional Integration and South-South Cooperation. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I am most grateful to my Academic Supervisor Prof. Fongot Kini-yen- Kinni for his relentless efforts and his incomparable attitude of always been on the standby to discuss issues with me that are related to my work, give instructions that led to the completion of this work. I am very grateful to the Development Secretary, Mr. John Sumialia for giving me the opportunity to serve as an intern in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development Republic of Sierra Leone. My Special thanks goes to My Professional Supervisors Mr. Yousuf .F. Benga-Samah (Deputy Secretary) and Miss. Agnes Hawa Kamara for always discussing issues with me that were pertinent to the completion of this work. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In order to gain practical experience on regional integration policies and schemes and to partially fulfill graduate study requirements, I was offered an Internship placement at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, Division of South-South Cooperation Sierra Leone. Having the opportunity to study with some of the brightest minds within Africa gave me the privilege to understand the importance of integration within the African Continent. During my studies at the Pan-African University I find it particularly interesting how nations with different socio-economic backgrounds surrender part of their sovereignty (Integrate) to a more supra- national body. However, these interests were kindled by the facts that we are now living in a globalized world, that’s what stimulates me to lay emphasis on the thematic area of integration as my area of specialization. Notwithstanding, this fact I was specifically assigned to the Department of Regional Integration and South-South cooperation in the ECOWAS National Office in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development Republic of Sierra Leone, This assignment gave me a practical knowledge and first-hand experience on how Sierra Leone has been upholding it commitments to ECOWAS and some of the challenges been faced by the ECOWAS National Desk Office in Sierra Leone. This report provides an analysis of the current and prospective undertakings of the ECOWAS National Office in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development Sierra Leone. The experience I derived while serving as an intern in this prestigious Division has broadens my long-term aspirations to be a problem solver and A Professional Diplomat representing and advocating the nation’s (Sierra Leone) interest on foreign policies and Regional Cooperation. In the interim the skills gained will help me under-pin the strategic developmental policies in the country’s Agenda for Prosperity (AFP) aimed at transforming the country’s economy into middle income status by 2035. RÉSUMÉ Afin d'acquérir une expérience pratique en politiques et programmes d'intégration régionale et remplir partiellement les exigences en matière d'études supérieures, j’ai bénéficié d’un stage au sein de la sous-division de la coopération sud-sud du ministère des finances et du développement économique de la Sierra Leone. En tant qu’étudiant de l’université panafricaine, j’ai eu le privilège d'étudier avec certains des plus grands cerveaux du continent et comprendre l'importance de l'intégration en Afrique. En effet, pendant mon parcours dans ce noble établissement d’enseignement supérieur, j’ai particulièrement était marqué par la manière à laquelle les nations africaines, en dépit de leurs différents contextes socio-économiques, sont prêtes à céder une partie de leur souveraineté à un organe supranational. Cette volonté exprimée par les nations africaines est motivée par le fait que nous vivons actuellement dans un monde globalisé. Et, ceci est la raison qui m’a poussé à me spécialiser en intégration régionale. Par ailleurs, j’ai également bénéficié d’un stage au sein de la Section CEDEAO de la sous-division de la coopération sud-sud du ministère des finances et du développement économique de la Sierra Leone. Ce stage m’a donné l’occasion d’acquérir des connaissances pratiques et observer de mes propres yeux la manière à laquelle la Sierra Leone respecte ses engagements au sein de la communauté CEDEAO et certains défis auxquels le bureau national de la CEDEAO fait face. Le présent rapport est une analyse des engagements actuels et futurs du bureau national de la CEDEAO au ministère des finances et du développement économique de la Sierra Leone. Mon expérience en tant que stagiaire au sein cette prestigieuse unité m’a permis d’élargir mes aspirations à long terme à solutionner et à être un diplomate professionnel qui représentera et défendra les intérêts de la nation (Sierra Leone) dans les politiques étrangères et la coopération régionale. Entre temps, les compétences acquises m'aideront à accompagner les politiques stratégiques de développement de l’agenda national de prospérité (A.F.P) qui vise à faire passer l’économie du pays vers le statut de pays à revenu intermédiaire d’ici à 203 THEORETICAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORKS Serving as an intern from May-August 2017 was an unforgettable experience for me as it helped me explore the boundaries of my performance and increase my competency to execute projects within a limited time frame. I do believe that the experience gained will have profound impact on my professional life and career. This report centers on the functionalist concept of integration as pioneered by David Mitrany in 1945, which looks at integration as both and end product and at the same time as a continuous process of Political, Social, Economic and Cultural evolution. Though, Mitrany in his book “The Working Peace System” Lindberg, N., Leon, The Political Dynamics of European Integration. 1963 Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press. focused his work mostly on World Integration rather than advocating it on European Context. He pioneered Modern Integrative theory (such as Functionalism), his theoretical approach is considered to be the main liberal approach to international relations. Mitrany’s principles maintain that ‘International and not only Economic Cooperation is the best means of softening antagonism in the international environment. Being a Post-Graduate Student of Governance and Regional Integration, I thought it fit that to apply classroom experience to daylight reality no regional institution will be more encouraging to learn more about integration from a purely West African Context than that of the ECOWAS National Office in Freetown Sierra Leone. it was on that basis I decided to directly apply to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MOFED), where the National Office is anchored. Notwithstanding, I was formally accepted and assigned to the department of Regional Integration and South-South Cooperation, with specific instruction to work directly under ECOWAS National desk Officer. In order for me to fulfill this academic exercise, I employed the use of both Primary and Secondary Data Collection techniques (Dual Methodology), Archival and Library materials were of great importance .The major sources of my secondary data includes books, journals, papers, ECOWAS documents and ECOWAS monthly publications. Data from primary sources that led to the completion of this work included formal interviews with Mr. John Sumalia (Development Secretary), Mr. Shieku Kamara(Head of the Department of Regional Integration and South-South Cooperation), Mr. Yusif Benga Sama( ECOWAS National Desk Officer), Miss. Hawa Kamara(Executive Secretary). On the 17th November 1982, the ECOWAS Secretariat (now the ECOWAS Commission), by a consensus decision, established ECOWAS national units in member states under the mandates to coordinate the affairs of ECOWAS and charged with the responsibilities to promote / advocate the objectives of ECOWAS which are but not limited to: Promote co-operation and integration leading to the establishment of an economic union in West Africa in order to raise the living standards of its peoples. Foster relations among Member States and contribute to the progress and development of the African continent. Ensure economic growth. List of Abbreviated Acronyms AFP…………………………………………………………………………Agenda for Prosperity ADB………………………………………………………………….. African Development Bank AU……………………………………………………………………………….. African Union DDS……………………………………………………………….Deputy Development Secretary DDGE……………………………………………………...Deputy Director General of Education ECOWAS…………………………………………Economic Community of West African States FTA…………………………………………………………………………… …Free Trade Area MFA………………………………………………………………….Ministry of Foreign Affairs MOFED………………………………………Ministry of Finance and Economic Development TABLE OF CONTENTS Preliminary Pages………………………………………………………………….1-5 List of Abbreviated Acronyms………………………………………………………7 Chapter One……………………………… Introduction and Description of the Organization Chapter Two…………………………………ECOWAS National Unit Sierra Leone Internship Experience and Observation Chapter Three………………………………….Some of the Challenges and Limitations Faced by the ECOWAS National Unit in Sierra Leone Chapter Four…………………………………Findings, Conclusions and Recommendations CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE ORGANIZATION Background Post- Colonial efforts towards integration in West Africa manifested in the formation of the Economic Community of West African States on May 28th 1975. A staunch proponent of the ECOWAS movement was the late President William V.S. Tubman of Liberia; He envisioned the organization in the 1950’s when Africa’s independent nations were limited to Ethiopia, Egypt and Liberia. While most of Africa was still locked in Colonialism, President Tubman worked tirelessly to promote the ideals and fundamental framework of not only ECOWAS, but also the draft charters of the organization of African Unity (O.A.U, now African Union A.U.) and the African Development Bank (ADB). In addition to these, President Tubman was quite influential in a number of continental and regional speeches and meetings on the collective efforts of achieving both independence and Economic integration throughout the continent (Eastman 2006) Eastman 2006,. Though, President Tubman’s vision of having a strong regional economic community was more or less a dream as the four major countries .i.e. Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and Ivory Coast which had the first formal regional agreement in West Africa in 1965 as Stubblefield 2004 Stubblefield 2004,, opined “In February 1965, President Tubman led the precursor to regional economic integration in West Africa, through a formal agreement signed between Ivory Coast, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. This Free Trade Area (FTA) was received well, yet the four signatories were each unprepared to undertake such broad- based economic reforms needed at the time.” In 1972, General Gowon of Nigeria and General Eyadema of Togo re-launched the idea, drew proposals and toured twelve (12) countries soliciting their plan from July to August 1973. From the 10th -15th December 1973 a meeting was conveyed which studied the previous draft treaty, this was further examined at a meeting of experts and jurists in Accra in January 1974 and superseded by a ministerial meeting in January 1975. Notwithstanding, the ideological and linguistic differences that Permitted West Africa prior to the establishment of Economic Community of West African States, the founding member states were able to finally pend their signatures to the treaty establishing ECOWAS on May 28th 1975. The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development Sierra Leone serves as the host Ministry for the Department of Regional Integration and South-South Cooperation, Sierra Leone being a signatory member to the Protocols establishing the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on the 28th May 1975 there by extension a signatory to the Recommendation relating to the establishment of ECOWAS National Units in member states dated 17th November 1982. ROLES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE ECOWAS NATIONAL UNIT IN SIERRA LEONE. Since the implementation of the protocol establishing National Unit(s) in member states in 1982, there have been three major resolutions concerning the composition, functions relating to the mission of ECOWAS National Units. The first resolution was by a way of recommendation C/REC.1/11/82 Fifth-Fourth Session of the Council of Ministers, Regulations C/REG.4/06/05 Relating to the Mission, Role and Functions of ECOWAS National Units, Abuja 23rd June 2005. made by the ECOWAS Council of Ministers dated 17th November 1982 relating to the establishing of National Units, the coordination and monitoring of the ECOWAS national units activities in Member States. The second decision re-echoing the Council of Ministers resolution recorded as A/DEC.3/12/90 dated 13th December 1990 with regards to upgrading the status of ECOWAS National Unit in Member States. Finally, most recently the ECOWAS Commission on 19th January 2005 established National Focal Points for ECOWAS and NEPAD Programs. Information and Enlightenment The first article establishing ECOWAS National Units clearly specify: Acquire and distribute information on ECOWAS, its activities and programs Develop and update a national information and communication data system on ECOWAS (printed material and electronic), including a network of distribution points for ECOWAS information. Organize on a regular basis public enlightenment campaigns and sensitization workshops on thematic integration issues. Organize regular press and media programs (print, radio, online, TV) on ECOWAS and regional integration. Ibid, Mobilization and Technical Support The National Unit in Sierra Leone is charged with the responsibility to organize all thespians at National level and to provide the essential technical support which is encapsulated in the protocol establishing National Units in member states therefore the unit should; Establish and maintain contact with actors and interest groups particularly those identified in specific ECOWAS or other regional initiatives. Facilitate the creation of National Associations of interest groups ( private sector, professionals and civil society) Encourage participation of different sectors of the society in regional integration programs. Establish and provide technical support to Inter-Ministerial Coordination Committee Ensure regular ministerial level (Cabinet) review of ECOWAS issues Establish and ensure effective functioning of National Technical Coordination Committee (with representation from public service, private sector and civil society). Establish sector-specific Technical sub-committees on priority regional integration issues. Facilitate participation of national associations in regional events and ECOWAS programs. Facilitate access of the ECOWAS representative (Bureau Chief) and other personnel to appropriate government officials. Seek involvement (advice, attendance, technical contribution) of the ECOWAS Bureau in the programs and activities of the National Unit. Provide technical assistance required for the smooth functioning of the ECOWAS Bureau. Sustain close working relations with the national NEPAD focal point. Ibid Participation in ECOWAS Decision making Process Initiate the necessary background studies to facilitate identification of national interests and concerns on any regional issues raised under ECOWAS Programme activities. Convene on a systematic basis, appropriate national technical committees to review issues of national interest raised under ECOWAS initiatives (e.g. agenda items of ECOWAS meetings ) ensure involvement and participation of all key stakeholders concerned in the review process. Propose regional program(s) in new area(s) for consideration at the regional level. Adopt clear national positions in preparation for ECOWAS meetings and other regional negotiating fora: ensure that the relevant Ministry assumes leadership of the process evolving a national position on any given matter. Ensure designation of appropriate national delegations (with respect to subject coverage and level of representation) for ECOWAS meetings. Facilitate the attendance and effective participation of the member state in ECOWAS meetings at all levels (preparatory technical groups; commission technical and ministerial, Council of Ministers and Authority. Ibid Implementation of ECOWAS Programs In executing the functions of and effective implementation of ECOWAS programs at the National Unit Sierra Leone should: Inform and involve all stakeholders (public and private sector officials and civil society) concerned with any ECOWAS programs. Ensure the dispatch of the enabling ECOWAS legal instruments ( convention(s), protocol(s), decision(s), regulation(s), declaration(s) etc.) and other related information to all parties involved in the applicable program implementation process . Ensure the incorporation of Community acts and decision in relevant national plans and annual budget statements. Ensure the formation of a national program implementation group and designation of a lead implementing agency. Ibid Facilitate the preparation and adoption of an appropriate national program implementation plan and guidelines. Ensure the formulation and adoption of an administrative and institutional policy measures needed to facilitate implementation of regional policies and programs. Facilitate the mobilization of all necessary resources for the implementation of each program. Establish a national monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system for key integration programs, including the designation of ECOWAS focal points in strategic ministries, agencies, chamber of commerce. Manufacturers association etc. in particularly ensuring that the M&E system includes creation of database and selection of key performance indicators to monitor and ensure the submission of regular progress reports on program implementation to the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee or Cabinet and facilitate follow-up action. Ibid Meeting Principal National Obligations Make available to appropriate national authorities, particularly Ministry of Justice and National Assembly, the signed texts of Community Acts; facilitate and monitor the ratification process. Ensure through collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, relevant sector Ministries and national legislation needed for the implementation at the national level of community acts and decisions. Ensure the effective application of the Community Levy and the prompt payment of financial contributions. Encourage the establishment of national committees created under the various ECOWAS programs and monitor their functions Ensure the compilation and timely dispatch of information on the Member State that is requested periodically by the community institutions To organize, coordinate or monitor as appropriate national action to be taken as component, or within the framework of a regional program (e.g. national stand-by unit as part of the regional military stand-by force). Ibid Participation in Regional Events The National Unit is established to encourage maximum participation of economic operators, civil society groups in regional events. Specifically the unit facilitates and of national groups in such regional events as business forum, trade fair and exhibition, trade mission(s), exchange program etc. Ibid 2.1. Organographic Representation of the Department of Regional Integration and South –South Cooperation ECOWAS National Unit at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development Sierra Leone. Development Secretary . Deputy Development Secretary 1 Deputy Development Secretary 2(Head of ECOWAS National Office) H Deputy Development Secretary 3 ECOWAS & MRU Focal Point National Coordinating Council Senior Assistant Secretary Bilingual Secretary Executive Officer As developed by Mr. Sheikhu Kamara, Deputy Development Secretary ECOWAS National Office, Ministry of Finance and Economic Development; Sierra Leone. CHAPTER TWO ECOWAS National Unit Sierra Leone Internship Experience and Observation 2.1. Unfolding of the internship As a pre-requisite of the post-graduate program at the Pan-African University to undertake a three (3) months internship in a well-recognized institution, upon completing a year of classwork. I decided to apply to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, department of regional integration and south-south cooperation on the fourth (4th) of December 2016. I received an official notification from the Development Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development formally informing me that I have been accepted to serve as an intern in the ministry and specifically assigning me to the division of regional integration and south-south cooperation with specific instruction to work directly under ECOWAS National Desk Officer. 2.2. Exercises carried out during the course of the Internship During my three Months internship (May-July) I had the opportunity to work in Research and Documentation Units, I also assisted in organizing and coordinating programs for the ECOWAS National Unit. I was introduced to Policy Support and Policy Research Methodology and Analysis. I was invited to attend various Development Partners Meetings (.e.g. Withdrawal Committee, Waiver Committee Meetings) I was also introduced to Resource Mobilization and Project writing. I was made a member of the selection committee for ECOWAS volunteer program. I was fortunate to work in one of the major department in the division of regional integration and south-south cooperation, one of the many things that made my internship experience more valuable is the combination of academic coursework and real-world experience. Notwithstanding, the tremendous office duties I was inculcated in I undertook some regular field-trips to the provinces. 2.3. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES Waiver Committee Meetings Interactive session with the Gbalamuya Border management in line with ECOWAS protocol on free movement of people, goods and services. Coordinating ECOWAS Volunteer Programme 2.3.1.Waiver Committee Meetings: Being a Pan- African Scholar and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development being the host institution where I served as an intern, I was fortunate to be involved in the Technical Committee (Waiver Committee) that oversees the reduction/ removal of taxes from imported goods that were meant for the purpose of charity, Government Procurement, Importation made by Non-Governmental Organizations etc. 2.3.2. Interactive Session with Border Management Personnel: Perhaps, one of the major successes of ECOWAS has been the free- movement of it Citizens within member states, I was directly involved in an interactive session to Conscientized Border Management Personnel on it pre ma facie. The Republic of Sierra Leone been surrounded by the Republic of Liberia in the South-East and the Republic of Guinea in the North, has two Significant border entry-point i.e. Gbalamuya which demarcates the Republic of Sierra Leone from the Republic of Guinea and the famous river Mano border post which demarcates the Republic of Sierra Leone from the Republic of Liberia. Despite, the fact that the Republic of Sierra Leone is principally surrounded by two ECOWAS member states (the republic of Liberia and Guinea) implementing the ECOWAS protocol on the free movement of people has been a daunting task, so upon the commemoration of the ECOWAS day celebrations on May 28, the ECOWAS National Unit saw it necessary to sensitize border management personnel who were mostly off- the- drift with the ECOWAS protocol on the free-movement of people, goods and services. 2.4.2. Coordinating ECOWAS Volunteer Programme: Perhaps the most interesting aspect of my internship was my involvement into coordinating activities for the ECOWAS Volunteer Programme; the ECOWAS National Unit in Sierra Leone was allocated twenty (20) volunteers whom were supposed to give teaching assistance to Junior Secondary Schools in Sierra Leone especially on the Thematic areas of French, Sciences (Chemistry, Physics, Biology) and Mathematics. The Deputy Development Secretary 2(Mr. Shieku Kamara) in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development Republic of Sierra Leone, who is also the Head of ECOWAS National Unit Created two teams each was supposed to cover six provincial towns. I was selected to be in a team that comprises of a Representative from the Ministry of Education Science and Technology and a representative from United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Deputy Development Secretary 2. Our team was charged with the responsibility to travel to the Provincial towns of Port-Loko, Kambia, Kabala, Kono and Makeni to inform the Director General in charge of Schools inspectorate in each district informing them about the subsequent arrival of ECOWAS Volunteers on the first of August 1, 2017, and to digress on their duties and responsibilities of the Volunteers on the one hand and the obligations of principals. However, Port-Loko was chosen to be our first stop to carry out the aforementioned activities due to its geographical proximity to Freetown the Capital. We arrived in Port-Loko at twelve Noon (12:00pm) , we went directly to the Director General(DDG) in the Ministry of Education and made our case known , as it is with all formal meetings the Deputy Development Secretary(DDS2) started by introducing every member of our team. After which he asked the DDG to recommend two schools that will be able to provide accommodation for the intended volunteers. The DDG welcomed the idea of providing volunteers and further went on to commend the initiative of ECOWAS volunteers as he specifically pin-point the need for student in Junior Secondary Schools to be proficient in French as they do in English because French is one of the major International Languages, our discussion with him (DDG) ended on a solid footing, with him providing two prominent schools in the district, the same modus-operandi was employed by all the DDG’S. Our second stop was the famous town of Kambia where we met with the deputy Director of Education for the District; he said some tangible suggestions as to which schools volunteers are to be stationed, he further asked us to meet with the DDG of education who was on a sick leave. Our entourage therefore proceeded to the DDG’s house. The Director’s first question was the number of volunteers to be deployed in Kambia; his inquest was laid to rest by the head of our delegation Mr. Kamara, head of ECOWAS National Unit Republic of Sierra Leone responded swiftly by answering that the number of volunteers to deployed in Kambia were to be determined by 1. The recipient school approval of providing descent accommodation (2) the school that vouched in for science instructors must have a science lab. The Director of education in Kambia based on the pre-requisite of what Head of ECOWAS National Unit has said, the DDG recommended two schools Kolonte Secondary school and that of Holy Rosary. District Number of Schools Schools Recommended Kambia 2 Kolenten Secondary School and Holy Rosary Secondary School Port-Loko 2 Lungi Government Secondary School Makeni 2 St. Francis Secondary School for Boys, Marthora Secondary School for Girls. Kabala 2 Kabala Secondary School Magburuka 2 Methodist Boys High School Magburuka, Kono 2 Koidu Government Secondary School. Njaima Nimikoro Secondary School. CHAPTER THREE Analysis and Evaluation of the Challenges and Limitations Faced by the ECOWAS National Unit in Sierra Leone Although, the authority by raison de’etre of recommendation C/REC.1/11/82, established the ECOWAS National Units in 1982 to coordinate the participation of ECOWAS member states on the integration process. Interestingly, the 1982 ECOWAS recommendation Failed to provide; Institutional Structures and roles of the Units, specific resources required for the implementation and operation of their mandate. Asante, S.K.B. “ Issues in African Regional Integration “ Capacity Challenges of managing Regionalism in Africa at the National Level: The Case of the Economic Community of West African States(ECOWAS), 2012 , pg.13. Method of Analysis In collecting information pertaining to the national unit, I made efficient used of participant observation, ECOWAS monthly publications, ECOWAS protocols. I used Hermeneutic circle of analysis to interpret my sources. Notwithstanding, the fact that the ECOWAS National Unit is a Microcosm of the Regional body in Abuja, it is face with some major challenges which at times can be linked to the parent body and in most cases the challenges are purely exclusive. During the period that I served as an intern in the ECOWAS National Unit I was able to identify some key Challenges and Limitations which are but not limited to: Late financing of Projects Inadequate staffs Miscommunication Bureaucratic Resistance Insufficient Vehicles Lacks Political Commitments Late Financing of Projects: Although, the ECOWAS National Unit in the Republic of Sierra Leone receives finances for projects from bilateral partners, the ECOWAS commission and the government of Sierra Leone. Due to the varying nature of different projects e.g. Sensitization on the ECOWAS free-movement protocol, for a practical example the ECOWAS Volunteer program in Sierra Leone is partly funded by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). However, coordinating funds for the execution of projects can be bizarre and rigorous and which can sometimes derail projects, the ECOWAS national unit lacks both financial and material resources to implement their programs. Inadequate Staffs: The ECOWAS National Unit in the Republic of Sierra Leone has two(2) Professionals and five (5) regular staffs , because the recruitment process falls within the Sierra Leone civil service code of recruitment and staffs conditions of service is been borne by the government. Due to the multi-dimensional nature of ECOWAS programs, there is the need to ensure effective coordination with lined ministries to ensure the smooth running of projects. Normally, there is supposed to be five (5) structures namely focal points in the ministries, inter-ministerial coordination committees, intra-sectorial implementing bodies, national monitoring bodies and multi-sectorial coordinating bodies. Senghor, Jeggan Colley, and Nana Poku, eds. Towards Africa’s Renewal. London. Ashgate Publishing, Ltd, 2007.pg.159. Miscommunication: High-lighted as one of the secondary problems facing the ECOWAS national unit in Sierra Leone is Miscommunication, this has been the problem mostly encountered by staffs working in the national unit in Sierra Leone, mails which are sometimes supposed to be sent to the national unit are normally sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Republic of Sierra Leone. Bureaucratic Resistance: Availability and Access to ‘Public Information’ in Sierra Leone is very stringent, this attitude of denying access to information has been streamlined in nearly all government agencies , with approximately 85% of the population having access to radio as the only means of communication and 72% of people in the country listening to radio daily. BBC Media Action-Sierra Leone, Governance and Media in Sierra Leone, May 2012. The ECOWAS National Unit is no exception in this dimension, the institution lacks appropriate storage facilities for both Academic and regional materials (books, journals and monthly publications) of the ECOWAS Commission that should be made readily available to the general public are not stored appropriately. Insufficient Vehicles: In Country like Sierra Leone with majorly bad roads the National Unit lacks sufficient vehicles to run the daily activities of the organization, staffs most of the times have to implore the use of their private vehicles for the running of ECOWAS programs. Lacks Political Commitments: Implementing the ECOWAS idea in Sierra Leone has been deteriorating over the years by successive governments, Sierra Leone has not been fully participating in most ECOWAS schemes because of the lack of political will. 3.2.1. Manifestation and Consequences of the Challenges Due to the aforementioned challenges faced by the ECOWAS national unit in the Republic of aSierra Leone, bringing to actualization of the ECOWAS Vision 2020 “A move to adopt a common people oriented regional vision.” ECOWAS Vision 2020, Towards a Democratic and Prosperous Community, June 2010. The national unit is normally stranded by late- financing which result in the slow pace of implementing it projects. Though, some of the projects are mostly funded by bilateral- donor institutions, the challenge of late- financing can also be indicted upon bilateral-donor partners. The inefficiencies of the ECOWAS National Unit in Sierra Leone hinder the ECOWAS integration process as a whole. CHAPTER FOUR Findings, Conclusions and Recommendations 4.1. Findings My interest during my master in Governance and Regional Integration at the Pan-African University solemnly lies on regional integration. Firstly, from a continental perspective the African Union (AU) interested me and secondly, from a regional background the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) interested me a lots because of the fact that it has been characterized as one of the best Regional Economic Community (REC) in Africa. That is why I chose to do my internship at the ECOWAS National Unit in Sierra Leone. Although I endured some minor setbacks starting from the point wherein when I sent in my application (December 2016) to the time when I did received my acceptance of offer (May 2017) was alone in itself a discouraging factor. The internship in its entirety was both a Period of practical application of knowledge gained on regional integration during my at the Pan-African University and the realization of the fact that having a first-hand experience, hands on tools and materials is quite different from theoretical perspectives and this will serve as a magnet for my Professional growth. Today many forms of Regional Economic Institutions exist in Africa depending on the objectives for which they were formed, some were formed to foster economic integration, others monetary integration and whiles some have objective legal and judicial integration. Most of them are geared to the transfer of sovereignty from the national state to the region in question. One of such institutions is the Economic Community of West African States. After forty two (42) years of existence, ECOWAS has undertaken several cooperation and integration programs in various key sectors of the sub-regional economy, particularly in the areas of trade promotion and liberalization, provision of better roads and telecommunications, infrastructural development, growth in agriculture, industry and energy sectors. Mantey, Comfort Asaa, “Ensuring Free Border Movement in ECOWAS: Challenge to National Security”( M.A. Dissertation Presented to the University of Ghana, 2013) P.94. Though, the inefficiencies of the ECOWAS National Unit in Sierra Leone has a rippling effects on the overall regional agenda of the ECOWAS Vision 2020 “ECOWAS of People” adopted in 2007, one cannot overlook its undermining effect of derailing the integration process as a whole. Eventually, the internship serves as an ‘Eye opener’ for me, I learnt about the various bilateral partnerships that Sierra Leone is involved into and the country’s relation with foreign partners. Nationally, I have learnt that cooperation between the ECOWAS headquarters and the ECOWAS national office in Sierra Leone is sometimes not that all rosy and can be very complex at times. Additionally, I was made to understand the intricacies involved when an institution is been run semi-autonomously and I also found out that the lack of adequate for regional institution like ECOWAS when it comes to cooperation with Multi-lateral donor partners for funding can be both Enigmatic and Coherent. Furthermore, I observed that the general populace in Sierra Leone hardly participates on ECOWAS programs and thus serving as a barrier to the main agenda of ECOWAS ‘An ECOWAS of people.’ Public Sensitization of some of the major protocols e.g. Protocols on Trade, Security and judicial matters and their implementations in Sierra Leone must be enforced. During the course of my internship I noticed that Sierra Leoneans were not adequately informed about the integration process. Key Findings Poor Coordination: The ECOWAS national unit in Sierra Leone has been rendered inadequate to coordinate the various protocols and formulated recommendations in the ECOWAS integration scheme. Changing Trends: The nature of the protocol that establishing the ECOWAS community in 1975 has evolved due to globalization trends has complex dynamics. Poor Monitoring Mechanisms 4.2. Conclusions The report tries to find out the scope at which the ECOWAS National Unit in Sierra Leone is implementing the ECOWAS idea of integration in Sierra Leone. At the national level the ECOWAS unit in Sierra Leone has tried it level best to implement some aspect of the ECOWAS Agenda for Development (Agenda 2020). However, there are major gaps that do exist as to the role of the ECOWAS National Office in Sierra Leone. Unlike other West African Countries that have their ECOWAS national unit directly placed under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) as in the Case of Ghana and Nigeria, others like Cote d’Ivore have an Entire Ministry of Cooperation and African Integration and wherein matters concerning ECOWAS are dealt with accordingly. Due to the fact that the ECOWAS National Unit is not incorporated into the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, there tends to be no clear definition and scope of understanding about the integration process and the unforeseen future benefits that could be derived by the Republic of Sierra Leone if the national unit is directly under the supervision of the Ministry of Foreign and International Cooperation or if a specialized Ministry is created solely to oversee the integration process. There should be put place a crystal clear integration policy that deals directly with ECOWAS issues, matters that concerns ECOWAS should not be dealt with ‘sarcastically’ and if that is to happen the national unit should be capacitated from two (2) Professional staffs and seven(7) career staffs. 4.2. Recommendations Upon completion of my internship at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, Republic of Sierra Leone. These will be my recommendation which comes as a result of my findings, participant observation(s) during the time that I served as an intern in the ECOWAS National Unit Republic of Sierra Leone. With the hope that these recommendations will be taken into positive consideration by the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone and institute broad based policy and institutional reforms. Institutional Framework The Government of Sierra Leone’s approach and response to regional integration more specifically to ECOWAS is largely influenced by both local, regional commitments and Frameworks. However, there should be drastic institutional reforms, creating a clearly defined institutional policy which will propel Sierra Leone’s status in the regional community. Reforms should be about the effectiveness, prioritization, management and reporting of strategic and technical issues that concerns ECOWAS and regional integration in a broader perspective. Political Commitment With changes in governance so does the participation and political commitment and of Sierra Leone in ECOWAS, this has been the case with successive government. However, this low-level of political will by Sierra Leone can be changed by having a well-developed national framework that deals solely with issues of integration that any changes in governance could hardly affect the operations of the ECOWAS national unit. Inadequate Staffs Another major issue is the low number of professional staffs which makes it very difficult for Sierra Leone to progress on its integration efforts References BBC Media Action-Sierra Leone, Governance and Media in Sierra Leone, May 2012. Council of Ministers, Regulations C/Reg.4/06/05 Relating to the Mission, Roles and Functions of ECOWAS National Unit. Eastman, 2006. ECOWAS vision 2020: Towards a Democratic and Prosperous Community, June 2010. Lindberg, N, Leon. The Political Dynamics of European Integration, 1963 Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press. Margaret Lee, Regionalism in Africa: A Part of Problem or a Part of Solution, 2012. Mantey, Comfort Asaa, “Ensuring Free Border Movement in ECOWAS: Challenge to National Security.” M.A. Dissertation Presented to the University of Ghana, 2013. Pg.94 Senghor, Jeggan Colley and Nana Poku, eds. Towards Africa’s Renewal, London. Ashgate Publishing, Ltd, 2007.pg. 159. Stubblefield, 2004. Annex 1: A cross section of ECOWAS Volunteers Annex 2: A preliminary visit to the would-be Hosts (District) of ECOWAS Volunteers Annex 3: A preliminary visit to the would-be Hosts (District) of ECOWAS Volunteers ANNEX 4: APPROVED INTERNSHIP LETTER GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE  MK-DS1/01/1 The Director, Pan-African University, Institute of Governance, Humanities and Social Sciences, Yaounde. Cameroon. Ministry of Finance & Economic Development Ministerial Building George Street Freetown Republic of Sierra Leone 30"'September, 2017. Dear Siiv Vladam, Completion of Internship Mr. Stihr Titus Komha I write to certify that Mr. Sahr Titus Komba a current student of the Pan-African University with the registration number 15G156 has successfully completed an internship Programme in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MOFED) in Sierra Leone and was specifically assigned to the ECOWAS National Unit in the Division of Regional Integration and South-South Cooperation for a period of three consecutive months. During his internship period, we found Mr. Komba to be very resourceful, obedient and ambitious and willing to learn. I Iis theoretical approach towards issues of Regional Integration and Foreign Policies are streamlined with contemporary international development issues and which were of utmost importance to his assigned division. Mr. Komba has an amiable personality and has excellent inter-personal relationship. Fie manifested a sound work ethic and is able to handle the pressure of deadlines well. On numerous occasions, he gives a helping hand to his colleagues in various areas. He is soft spoken and polite, he demonstrates the best of behavior and excellent study habits, fie has striking characteristics and outstanding intellectual ability; he manifested his innate leadership qualities while he was assigned on the ECOWAS volunteers Programme, lie also demonstrated an excellent managerial capability by helping to develop a well-structured working bi-annual budget for his assigned division. J. Sumailah Development Secretary Mr. Komba has great potential to becoming a fine public official and I have no hesitation in recommending him for the award of completion of his current studies.