A forum focused on peacebuilding and political stability in West Africa is underway at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Center in Accra, drawing key policymakers, civil society leaders, and international partners from across the sub-region.
Under the theme “Conflict Prevention and Sustainable Peace in West Africa: Amplifying Women’s Voices in Democratic and Political Transitions,” the event is expected to provide a strategic platform for shaping responses to the region’s growing security and governance challenges.
The forum comes at a critical time for West Africa, where a wave of political instability, military takeovers, and democratic backsliding have put regional unity and peacebuilding efforts under renewed strain.
Coups in countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Niger have disrupted governance and tested the strength of ECOWAS and other multilateral security frameworks. Meanwhile, the rising influence of extremist groups, the impact of climate change, and cross-border criminal activities continue to threaten the region’s fragile stability.
Today’s gathering aims to develop actionable solutions that can support conflict prevention, democratic resilience, and inclusive governance. The event will feature three thematic sessions: a policy roundtable on strengthening regional mechanisms for conflict prevention; a high-level panel dedicated to women’s leadership in democratic transitions; and a strategic policy workshop exploring innovative approaches to building lasting peace.
Participants will assess existing peacebuilding frameworks, explore options for reforming regional security cooperation, and outline policy recommendations for national and regional actors. A core focus of the discussions will be the role of women in political processes, recognising their central importance in shaping durable peace and democratic renewal.
The forum is expected to conclude with a set of proposals aimed at boosting ECOWAS’ capacity as a regional peace and security guarantor, expanding women’s participation in governance, and fostering deeper partnerships between governments, civil society, and development actors.
Watch Forum below