Abuja:Experts have highlighted the rapidly changing security landscape in West Africa, calling for enhanced regional cooperation and collective action to address emerging threats. This call was made at the pre-West African Peace and Security Dialogue (WAPSeD) 2027 strategy and review meeting organized by the Building Blocks for Peace Foundation (BBFORPEACE) in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the meeting’s theme, ‘From Dialogue to Action: Reflecting on WAPSeD 2025 Commitments and Setting the Agenda for WAPSeD 2027,’ set the stage for discussions on the evolving peace and security challenges in the region. Prof. Charles Ukeje, Board Chairman of BBFORPEACE, emphasized the need for a flexible and complementary security architecture that incorporates locally driven responses to varied security challenges across different societies.
Prof. Ukeje also advocated for the inclusion of women and youths in peace and security efforts, stressing that communities should have a voice in processes affecting them. The Executive Director of BBFORPEACE, Mr. Rafiu Lawal, identified emerging threats such as disinformation, drug trafficking, and illicit economies, urging for local solutions and stronger regional cooperation.
Dr. Babatunde Afolabi, Director of Political Affairs at the ECOWAS Commission, underscored the complexity and interconnectedness of security challenges like violent extremism and organized crime. He called for a shift from dialogue to concrete actions that address these issues. Dr. Joseph Ochogwu from the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution and Mr. John Tsuwa from the Society for Peace Studies and Practice also supported the call for practical measures and deeper collaboration to tackle security threats.
The meeting brought together various stakeholders to reflect on past commitments and shape priorities for WAPSeD 2027, with a focus on developing an action-oriented roadmap to enhance peace and security in West Africa.