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.