Group Photo of participants and dignitaries
In pursuance of the objective by the African Security Sector Network (ASSN) and its partners to disseminate the ECOWAS Policy Framework on Security Sector Reform and Governance in Member States, the ASSN has kicked-off the fifth training programme in the pilot series of the ECOWAS Security Sector Reform and Governance (SSRG) Workshops in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, which is also the seat of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
From 19th to 22nd September, 2022, critical stakeholders, including current and former ministers, ministries and agencies, security sector institutions, the National Assembly, civil society organisations (CSOs) and the media, as well as development partners, are congregating at a 4-day workshop at The Wells Carlton Hotel in Asokoro, Abuja, Nigeria, to continue the dissemination of the ECOWAS Policy Framework for SSRG in the country and more widely, the West African region. The workshop is being held as part of the mandate of the ECOWAS Peace and Security Architecture and Operations (EPSAO) Project, co-funded by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Development and Cooperation (BMZ). Organized by the ASSN together with its partners, GIZ and the ECOWAS Commission, eminent dignitaries graced the opening ceremony of the workshop as well as the ensuing Executive Roundtable.
The ECOWAS Policy Framework on SSRG promotes common security standards in the region, complements nationally-led initiatives, and promotes regional security coordination and cooperation so as to effectively tackle new and emerging security challenges. The ECOWAS SSRG Workshop consequently, promotes awareness of the Policy Framework as mandated by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Ambassador Zubair Dada
Representing the Government of Nigeria at the opening session, the Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Ambassador Zubair Dada welcomed participants to the workshop and noted with a high sense of gratification, Nigeria’s pride at hosting this timely and significant workshop at a period when the country is confronted with so much insecurity. He recounted the accomplishment of the previous workshops in Guinea Bissau, the Gambia, Senegal and Liberia, and noted that insecurity is a regional challenge not only causing instability but also impeding economic development potentials. He deprecated the heinous activities of illegitimate non-state security actors and violent groups in Nigeria and the menace they cause to the society.
Ambassador Dada also touched on the immense support Nigeria has rendered to ECOWAS over the years including the support to early warning and early response mechanisms as part of conflict prevention strategies, and the Code of Conduct for the Armed Forces and Security Services of ECOWAS Member States. He further underscored Nigeria’s recommendation to the ECOWAS Commission to support nationally-led SSRG processes in the region.
Lamenting on the threats to security in the country – piracy, human trafficking and terrorism, he expounded how these issues of insecurity are retarding sustainable development in Nigeria. He further emphasized Nigeria’s resilience in sustaining multilateral cooperation to transform its security sector. Ambassador Dada was hopeful that the workshop will promote a shared understanding of SSRG among national security stakeholders including civil society, and wished participants fruitful deliberations.
Mr. Alexandre Borges Gomes, Deputy Head of Mission of the European Union (EU) Delegation in Nigeria
Thereafter, Mr. Alexandre Borges Gomes, Deputy Head of Mission of the European Union (EU) Delegation in Nigeria emphasized the aptness of the workshop in the wake of the critical insecurity challenges confronting not only Nigeria but the ECOWAS region. He recognized dissemination as a strategic activity following the launch of the ECOWAS Policy Framework for SSRG, and expressed delight at the traction that the project is gaining as well as the EU’s association with it. He was optimistic that Nigeria will adapt the ECOWAS SSRG Policy Framework to the Nigerian context for effective SSRG implementation.
Dr Uju Agomoh, ASSN’s Regional Coordinator for West Africa, delivered remarks on behalf of the ASSN. She extended the warm greetings of the Executive Committee and the Executive Secretary of the ASSN Secretariat to participants and noted ASSN’s pleasure at hosting this fifth workshop on the ECOWAS SSRG Policy Framework. Dr Agomoh thanked all partners for supporting this crucial initiative. She further remarked that well-meaning and well-crafted policy provisions are developed but often times are unable to realize their purpose owing to lack of effective implementation. Thankfully, this project is changing that narrative.
Dr. Uju Agomoh, Regional Coordinator West Africa, African Security Sector Network (ASSN), Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau (Rtd.), Former Minister of Interior, Former Chief of Army Staff
Dr Agomoh gave a brief history of the ASSN and its work across the continent since its inception in 2003 and further accentuated that ASSN prides itself as African professionals who have the interest of Africa’s security at heart, and work tirelessly to support democratic security governance. She added that security literacy can be conducted within the continent in a manner that makes it appealing to all and sundry so that everyone can own and be part of the security transformation agenda of ECOWAS and its Member States. She stressed the need to build synergy with already existing mechanisms to achieve the transformation being sought in the security sector. She also acknowledged the vibrant civil society in Nigeria and encouraged them to keep up the good work. She was confident that the outcomes of the workshop will foster stronger collaboration among all stakeholders including the private sector to maintain and sustain peace in Nigeria.
Representing the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Dr Isaac Armstrong gave a keynote address on behalf of the ECOWAS Commission. He noted with a profound sense of achievement the trajectory that the ECOWAS Policy Framework for SSRG has journeyed from its drafting to its adoption and recent launch in 2021, which elicited the need for the dissemination workshops. He expressed appreciation to all partners, particularly the ASSN and DCAF-ISSAT, for their crucial role in the development of the Policy Framework as well as the accompanying Toolkit for SSRG in West Africa to operationalize the Policy Framework in member states. He reiterated the security challenges confronting Nigeria and appreciated the timeliness of the workshop which he hopes will contribute to addressing the insecurity in Nigeria.
Dr Armstrong reminded participants of the proactive nature of the ECOWAS SSRG Policy Framework as it is strategically composed as a conflict prevention and human security tool, and the need to use it as such. He thanked all present for their commitment, support and belief in ECOWAS and wished participants a successful workshop.