Reimagining Peace and Security in West Africa: Local Solutions, Regional Solidarity and Global Partnerships

West Africa is facing a rise in violent extremism, farmer–herder conflicts, environmental stress, resource-related tensions, maritime piracy, transnational organised crime, and the proliferation of small arms. These challenges both stem from and deepen poverty, youth unemployment, weak state capacity, and widening inequalities. In response, GPPAC members convened over 100 actors, including civil society, youth and women leaders, policymakers, and development partners, for the second West Africa Peace and Security Dialogue (WAPSeD) in Abuja, Nigeria, to identify solutions.

Participants stressed that sustainable peace cannot come from militarised responses alone. Instead, peace must be reimagined through inclusive governance, empowered communities, revitalised traditional systems, strong regional solidarity, and equitable global partnerships. Explore their concrete ideas for community-led solutions, ethical and inclusive leadership, sustained youth and women’s participation, stronger CSO–government partnerships, and regional solidarity to address shared challenges in this policy brief.