The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called for enhanced regional collaboration to tackle growing security challenges across West Africa.
The regional bloc made the call at the Pre-West Africa Peace and Security Dialogue (WAPSeD) 2027 Strategy and Review Meeting held in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, ECOWAS Director of Political Affairs, Dr. Babatunde Afolabi, represented by Gnacabja Constant, said the region faces interconnected threats including terrorism, violent extremism, organised crime, political instability and humanitarian crises.
He stressed that sustainable peace could not be achieved by a single government or institution acting alone.
“If we want to achieve sustainable peace, we need to work on three Ps: People, prevention and partnership,” he said.
Afolabi urged stakeholders to move beyond dialogue and translate recommendations into concrete actions capable of addressing emerging security threats.
Other speakers, including the Executive Director of Building Blocks for Peace Foundation, Rafiu Lawal, warned that disinformation, drug trafficking and illicit economic activities are increasingly undermining public trust and social cohesion across the region.
Stakeholders at the meeting emphasized the need for inclusive peacebuilding efforts that involve women, youths, minorities and local communities.
