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Background | Methodological Approach | Key Questions | Objectives | Activities & Results | Projects in 2008 | Documents & Contacts
 Background
The building or strengthening of peace and democracy, and the promotion of security in West Africa entails more than only resolving specific conflicts. It requires addressing dynamics of change (demographics, political, economic, cultural, and institutional) which, in West African societies, are at the base of current conflicts and affect exit from crisis procedures. Conflict’s regional and spatial dimensions linked to forced population flows, illicit trade of raw materials and light arms, connections with political elite and rebel groups of neighbouring countries are some of the many factors explaining the duration and spreading of conflict at the local, national, cross-border and regional levels.
Methodological Approach
The Unit works with actors of the 18 countries in the region (States, political actors, civil society, networks and research institutes, regional and international organisations) through a series of events, forums, workshops roundtables, etc.
Strategic Questions
The Units programme focuses on the interaction between questions related to governance and conflict, as well as work on democracy, peace and security. Four strategic questions structure the Unit’s work:
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What are the conflict dynamics in West Africa and their resolution methods?
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What are the endogenous capacities of the region with regard to conflict prevention and governance and how to capitalise and build on them while supporting development of West African countries?
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How to promote a regional approach in support of crisis prevention and resolution strategies and post-conflict reconstruction?
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How to facilitate dialogue between different actors of the region, regional and international institutions in order to synergise the strengthening of democracy, the building of peace, the promotion of security to foster development?
Objectives
The Unit’s initiatives take into account its three-prong mission to:
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Contribute to a better understanding of dynamics of exit from crisis;
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Capitalise on endogenous governance capacities;
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Promote policy dialogue between actors of the region to foster peace and democracy.
Activities & Results
Its initiatives focus on the following three areas of work:
Governance & Conflict Prevention
Dynamics of Exit from Crisis, Post-Conflict & Development
Political Dialogue, Peace & Security
Projects in 2008
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Summary reports & Presentations in 2005 and 2006