The West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) is urging political leaders across the West African sub-region to engage in discussions that prioritize the well-being of their citizens, who are ultimately affected by their decisions.
During a High-Level Policy Dialogue held in Accra, Executive Director Mrs. Levinia Addae-Mensah reaffirmed WANEP’s commitment to promoting people-centered solutions in response to evolving conflict dynamics in the region.
“Through our early warning systems, conflict analysis, and support for mediation and dialogue efforts, we are dedicated to fostering solutions that truly serve the people,” she stated. Mrs. Addae-Mensah highlighted the role of the Conflict Research Network (CORN) West Africa in convening researchers and analysts to critically engage with these challenges, while the African Peacebuilding Network (APN) works to cultivate a new generation of scholars and practitioners equipped for effective peacebuilding.
The dialogue aimed to explore pathways for restoring confidence, trust, and regional solidarity among West African nations. WANEP emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and local ownership in achieving sustainable peace, asserting that bridging the gap between policy and practice is essential for success.
About the High-Level Policy Dialogue
This meeting was held in advance of the ECOWAS Commission’s Special Summit on the Future of Regional Integration in West Africa, which will address emerging challenges related to governance, development, peace, and security. Organized by WANEP in collaboration with the APN and CORN West Africa, the dialogue provided critical recommendations for discussions at the summit, focusing on reversing trends toward unconstitutional governance (UCG) and strengthening ECOWAS efforts in democratic consolidation and conflict transformation.
Participants gained insights into the drivers of UCG in the Sahel region, as well as the progress and limitations of ECOWAS’s engagement with military leaders in Guinea, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali. They also discussed potential strategies for maintaining regional stability in light of possible exits from ECOWAS by certain countries.
Reflecting on ECOWAS at 50
Ambassador Dr. Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, noted that this year marks the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS, offering a chance for reflection. “While ECOWAS has faced ups and downs, this milestone calls for introspection and repositioning for the future,” he said.
He highlighted that the celebratory aspects will include showcasing ECOWAS’s achievements, cultural unity, and renewed commitments to regional integration. However, he also acknowledged the significant challenges ahead, emphasizing the need for citizen involvement in reimagining ECOWAS as an organization that truly represents and serves the people.
“ECOWAS is at a crossroads,” he stated, “but with the collective commitment of all West Africans, we can navigate this period and emerge as a stronger, more resilient regional organization.”
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), established in May 1975, aims to promote economic integration among its member states and address the pressing issues facing the region.
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