Abuja, Nigeria (26-27 February, 2025) –In an era where insecurity threatens progress, regional cooperation remains our strongest asset. The 2-Day Regional Seminar on Strengthening Capacities for the Accra Initiative (AI) concluded in Abuja, Nigeria, reaffirming the unwavering commitment of West African nations to combat terrorism and violent extremism.
Hosted by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre and organized by the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), in partnership with the Government of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the seminar brought together policymakers, security experts, and civil society representatives from Ghana, Benin, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Nigeria (observer state). Their shared mission: to enhance regional cooperation in the face of growing security threats.
A Collective Call to Action
Over two days, discussions reflected on the evolving security landscape in West Africa, with particular attention to the challenges posed by instability in the Sahel. The seminar examined:
- The root causes of violent extremism and radicalization
- Lessons from successful counterterrorism strategies, including insights from the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF)
- The growing threat of small arms proliferation and its impact on regional stability
- Ways to strengthen cooperation within the Accra Initiative
- The crucial role of civil society in building resilience against extremist ideologies
More than a forum for dialogue, this seminar served as a call to move from policy to action. Delegates underscored the need to:
- Secure sustainable financing to ensure long-term security solutions
- Enhance intelligence-sharing mechanisms to prevent and counter threats
- Strengthen inter-agency coordination across national and regional levels
- Engage local communities as indispensable partners in security efforts
A Vision for Sustainable Peace
The success of the Accra Initiative lies not only in military coordination but in a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder approach that addresses the root causes of conflict. Peace and security are not gifts; they are the results of tireless effort, unity, and shared responsibility.
As the seminar concludes, one message resonates clearly: our collective resilience is our greatest strength. Through partnership, innovation, and unwavering commitment, we will safeguard our region against those who seek to undermine peace. The path ahead demands continued vigilance, collaboration, and above all, action.
The work continues.
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