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

 
Names of Participants from the "Get to Know ECOWAS" 2010 by Country

1. Moktar Adamou (Benin)

2. Julien Oussou (Benin)

3. Karamoko Diakité (Cote d'Ivoire)

4. Lou Younan Edwige Gonairi (Cote d'Ivoire)

5. Frank Okyere (Ghana)

6. Abdul-Jalilu Ateku (Ghana)

7. Dorcas Néma Dione (Guinea)

8. Mamadou G. Coulibaly (Mali)

9. Shola Bridget Omotosho (Nigeria)

10. Bolarinwa O. Joshua (Nigeria)

11. Sarr Mam Dior (Senegal)

12. Alioune Badara Gueye (Senegal)

Throughout the Get to Know ECOWAS 2010, participants had the opportunity to give feedback, write papers and presentations on the programme:

• Dr. Moktar Adamou from Benin's initial Motivational Letter brings up important facts and ideas that were touched upon during the initial Get to Know ECOWAS experience. These included ECOWAS' Vision 2020, as well as how the 12 individuals benefiting from this conference must implement their new knowledge in their respective nations. Click here to read it in full length. (In French) 

• Ms. Dorcas N. Dione of Guinea here explores the relation between peacekeeping operations and the growing importance and remarkable efforts of gender integration in ECOWAS. This observation is keenly noted with reference to ECOWAS' Gender Development Centre which began January 2003 in Dakar.   

• Mr. Karamoko Diakité from Cote d'Ivoire explores the links between ECOWAS' security policy and the fight against cross border crimes within West Africa. His essay analyzes the results that arise from this developing wave of crime and the means ECOWAS may take to fight against them.  

• Mr. Joshua Bolarinwa of Nigeria chronicles ECOWAS' peace and security architecture, noting how if one incorporates security into the general focus for regional integration, it will inevitably lead a nation to economic development. Such is demonstrated additionally through a comprising timeline of ECOWAS' events. Read the full length version here. 

• Mr. Abdul-Jalilu Ateku from Ghana presents a paper which demonstrates the link that exists between poverty and security. He recognizes that it is only through protective human security that the transformation of an "ECOWAS of states to an ECOWAS of the people"(Vision 2020) can take place; additionally noting that the consideration of poverty is vital.