Experts Push for Enhanced Security Framework in West Africa

At the pre-WAPSeD 2027 strategy and review meeting, experts urged West African governments, regional institutions, and civil society organizations to develop a flexible and complementary security architecture to address the region's evolving peace and security challenges. Prof. Charles Ukeje, Board Chair of the Building Blocks for Peace Foundation and Professor at Obafemi Awolowo University, stated that security challenges vary across societies and require tailored responses.

He emphasized the importance of engaging local realities while addressing these challenges. Mr. Rafiu Lawal, Executive Director of BBFORPEACE, noted that previous challenges have not disappeared and are increasingly interacting with new threats, such as disinformation and drug trafficking.

The meeting aimed to review WAPSeD 2025 recommendations and develop an action-oriented roadmap for WAPSeD 2027. Dr. Babatunde Afolabi, Director of Political Affairs at ECOWAS, reaffirmed the organization's commitment to strengthening regional peace and security, highlighting the need for cooperation among various stakeholders.