2012: The Electoral Process and West Africa

2012 saw an emphasis on the issues in electoral processes in West Africa, recognizing the evident importance of elections in a democratic environment. The "Get to Know ECOWAS: Regional Approaches to improving Electoral Processes in West Africa" therefore also included the gradual involvement of media and the security sector in the overall structure of an election process. It emphasized the necessity to set up some norms and standards in electoral processes for the region, the key roles played by EMBs, the critical phenomenon of electoral violence that is delaying efforts exerted for democratization of West Africa, and the importance (but very sensitive role) of international assistance.

Participants of the 3rd "Get to Know ECOWAS" training programme

 

2011: Crossing Borders

 "Get to Know ECOWAS: Exploring ECOWAS Approaches in Trans-border Security Threats" provided the opportunity for young professionals to thoroughly understand the new threats that now exist in transnational security. The 2nd annual programme also discussed the importance in recognizing the fact that threats require cooperation and synergy from the region to begin the endeavor for significant West African security.

Participants of the 2nd "Get to Know ECOWAS" training programme

 

2010: First Year Experience

The first year of the "Get to Know ECOWAS" Training programme prioritized "the consolidation of a peaceful, stable and democratic environment, through the implementation of an effective system of conflict prevention, peace and security" from ECOWAS' Vision 2020. 2010 sought to deepen the participants' expertise and knowledge on regional mechanisms in the security policy field - topics often limited to senior experts and government officials.

Participants of the 1st Get to Know ECOWAS Training Programme

Background: Looking into the “Get to Know ECOWAS” Training Programme

Beginning in 2010, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, in partnership with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) developed an opportunity for young experts from West Africa to really "Get to Know" ECOWAS. In providing an occasion to learn about this particular Economic Community, these experts were able to discuss thematic such as the institution's mechanisms of conflict prevention and management, as well as its comprehensive architecture for peace and security. This programme therefore granted the possibility for participants to sensitize on ECOWAS' security structure in their own respective countries - thereby allowing for an opportunity to establish regional networks, and create a novel generation of qualified individuals to help in the amelioration of the security challenges within West Africa.