The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), through its Early Warning Directorate, on 7 July 2026 opened the Regional Workshop on Early Warning Responses to Illicit Drug Flows and Human Security Risks in the Mano River Union (MRU) in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The workshop brought together senior government officials, National Centres for the Coordination of Response Mechanisms (NCCRMs), regional organisations, security and public health institutions, civil society, academia and development partners to strengthen regional early warning, enhance cross-border information sharing, and advance coordinated responses to illicit drug trafficking and its human security implications. Read More