Dakar, 22 March 2022 (TDI): A series of Stakeholder Dialogue began at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Center (KAIPTC) in Senegal. The event aims to strengthen policy dialogues and peace and security frameworks in Africa.
The participants include civil society organizations, NGOs, government officials, and think tanks. It will develop and foster dialogue among a wide range of stakeholders and actors that play essential roles in peacekeeping.
Moreover, the forum will discuss approaches that will complement the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Conflict Prevention Framework.
KAIPTC designed its Stakeholder Dialogue Series as a part of KAIPTC’s five-year program. It aims to provide a platform for relevant stakeholders and institutional actors involved in the peace, security, and development sector in Africa.
In the short term, the forum will be an important step in capacity building and the operationalization of ECOWAS’ Conflict Prevention Framework.
In the medium and long term, this forum is meant to grow into a space where influential actors will develop innovative strategies, and deliberate on Africa’s top security challenges, including unconstitutional changes of government, violent extremism, poverty, and terrorism.
The threat of political instability has increased in West Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa in recent years. There have been several coups and coup attempts in countries including Mali, Guinea, Niger, Guinea-Bissau, and Burkina Faso.
Furthermore, terrorist activities by insurgent groups have taken a toll on human and economic security in Burkina Faso and Mali. Due to poverty and grave institutional weaknesses, the threat of violent conflict looms large.
Senegal as a regional actor
Senegal is a relatively stable country in West Africa. It has played a significant role in regional peacekeeping arrangements.
Also, the country has led and supported various ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) and the UN efforts to mitigate violent conflict in West Africa. Senegal keeps good relations with major Western countries including the USA and France.
