Presided over by Mr. Abdoulaye SENE, Chair of GWP-WA, this solemn gathering brought together numerous institutional and technical partners, who came to demonstrate their commitment to regional water governance.
A Simple Yet Highly Symbolic Ceremony
Lasting thirty minutes, the ceremony followed a precise protocol:
- After welcoming participants, Mr. Hilaire Ilboudo introduced the event.
- Chair Abdoulaye SENE officially opened the meeting. In his remarks, he emphasized that this handover illustrates the institutional continuity of GWP-WA and the determination to strengthen inclusive and sustainable water governance. He praised the work accomplished by Mr. Sidi Coulibaly during his interim mandate and wished full success to Mr. Amadou Lamine Ndiaye in his new role.
- Mr. Sidi Coulibaly, Acting Executive Secretary, then spoke, recalling the coordination and consolidation efforts carried out during his mission.
- The new Executive Secretary, Mr. Amadou Lamine Ndiaye, presented his strategic vision for GWP-WA, focused on transparency, inclusive governance, and operational efficiency.
- A message of recognition was delivered by the master of ceremony, highlighting the essential role of partners in supporting GWP-WA.
- Dr. Dibi Millogo, Deputy Executive Director of the Volta Basin Authority (VBA), spoke on behalf of the partners. He commended the quality of the work accomplished by the interim team, reaffirmed the trust of partner institutions in GWP-WA, and expressed their readiness to support the new Executive Secretary in pursuing shared objectives.
- The highlight of the event was the symbolic signing of the handover report, an act that formalized the official transition between the two leaders.
The ceremony concluded with closing remarks by Chair Abdoulaye SENE, followed by a group photo and a convivial cocktail.
A Strategic Institutional Transition
The January 8, 2025 handover marks an important milestone for GWP-WA:
- It closes the interim period led by Mr. Sidi Coulibaly, recognized for his rigor and sense of consensus.
- It opens a new chapter with the arrival of Mr. Amadou Lamine Ndiaye, whose mission will be to strengthen regional governance and consolidate strategic partnerships.
- It demonstrates GWP-WA’s commitment to maintaining inclusive and transparent governance, aligned with the expectations of international donors and the needs of ECOWAS member states.
A Strong Signal to Partners
The presence of numerous institutional and technical partners at the ceremony reflects the confidence placed in GWP-WA.
The Chair’s remarks underscored the importance of regional cooperation in addressing challenges related to sustainable water resource management.
Dr. Dibi Millogo’s intervention on behalf of the partners reinforced this message, reaffirming their readiness to support the new Executive Secretary and accompany institutional continuity.
The ceremony thus highlighted the symbolic dimension of a harmonious transition, a guarantee of stability and credibility with regional and international stakeholders.
The handover ceremony between Mr. Sidi Coulibaly and Mr. Amadou Lamine Ndiaye, under the presidency of Mr. Abdoulaye SENE, fits into a dynamic of consolidation and renewal. It illustrates GWP-WA’s ability to ensure a smooth transition while reaffirming its commitment to promoting effective and participatory water governance in West Africa.
With this new stage, GWP-WA looks to the future, strengthened by the trust of its partners and the strategic vision of its new Executive Secretary.
