In an endeavor to tackle the complex challenges of peace and security in West Africa, the Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC), in collaboration with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), convened a comprehensive training session from March 22-24, 2024. Held at the esteemed New Brookfield Hotel in Freetown, Sierra Leone, the session aimed to empower Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) with essential tools and expertise in early warning mechanisms, conflict analysis, and proactive response strategies.

The training zeroed in on enhancing the capacity of ECOSOCC Peace and Security Cluster members, National Chapter members, and select CSOs from across West Africa, recognizing their pivotal role in conflict prevention efforts.

Mr. Khalid Boudali, Presiding Officer of ECOSOCC, set the tone for the training session by stressing the collective responsibility in addressing regional challenges. He emphasized the paramount importance of fostering peace and prosperity in Africa, grounded in the principles of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA).

Against the backdrop of a myriad of challenges facing the region, ranging from political instability to terrorism, the training aimed to delve into the underlying causes of conflicts through early warning mechanisms and structural vulnerability assessments.

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The overarching objectives of the training encompassed enhancing CSOs’ proficiency in gathering and analyzing conflict data, devising tailored response strategies, and nurturing a pool of trainers within CSOs to ensure sustainable conflict prevention efforts.

Participants are expected to emerge from the training equipped with a comprehensive understanding of early warning tools and methodologies, adept advocacy skills for early warning processes, and heightened proficiency in conflict analysis and responsive measures. Additionally, the training sought to fortify collaboration and networking among CSOs in the region.

The training session witnessed notable engagement from dignitaries, including Amara Kallon, Minister of Political Affairs and Public Administration, whose keynote address underscored the imperative of comprehending and addressing the root causes of conflicts. Minister Kallon commended the collaboration between ECOSOCC and COMESA in empowering CSOs for conflict prevention endeavors, emphasizing the pivotal role of structural vulnerability assessments in preempting conflicts and advocating for proactive mitigation strategies.

William Carew, Head of Secretariat at ECOSOCC, offered concluding remarks, emphasizing the persistent challenges to peace and security in West Africa and the critical need for collective action in fostering stability. Carew expressed gratitude to partners and collaborators for their unwavering support and urged participants to leverage the insights gained during the training to effect positive change and contribute to a safer and more prosperous future for the region and continent.

The collaborative endeavors between ECOSOCC and COMESA reflect a proactive stance in bolstering conflict prevention initiatives in West Africa, signaling a beacon of hope for a more harmonious and resilient region.