Accra–
The Peace Research Institute Frankfurt (PRIF) and the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS) are set to host a crucial hybrid discussion on “Closing the Gap: Citizens’ Perspectives on ECOWAS Intervention and Implication for the Future.” The event will take place both physically in Accra, Ghana, and virtually via Zoom at 14:30 GMT.
Focus of the Discussion
The forum aims to address citizens’ perceptions of ECOWAS and the regional bloc’s interventions in governance, security, and democracy. With ECOWAS playing a key role in political mediation, economic integration, and conflict resolution, the discussion will assess its effectiveness and explore ways to enhance its engagement with the people of West Africa.
H.E Omar Touray, President of ECOWAS
Key Speakers and Discussants
The event will feature presentations by:
Sophia Birchinger (Peace Research Institute, Germany)
Salt Matty Jaw (Center for Research and Policy Development, The Gambia)
Dr. Amado Kabore (L’Institute des Sciences des Société – INSS, Burkina Faso)
Dr. Antonia Witt (Peace Research Institute Frankfurt, Germany)
Discussants include:
Dr. Habibu Yaya Bappah (tbc) – Executive Assistant to the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Nigeria
Anyway Chingwete – Deputy Director of Survey, Afrobarometer, Ghana
Prof. David Dosseh – Coordinator, Front Togo Debout and Tournons la Page, Togo
The discussion will be moderated by Paul Osei Kuffour, WADEMOS Network Coordinator.
Key Themes
Participants will explore:
How ECOWAS interventions impact governance and democracy in West Africa
The effectiveness of ECOWAS’s response to political crises and security challenges
Public trust and citizens’ expectations of ECOWAS
Recommendations for making ECOWAS more people-centered
Why It Matters
With recent political instability, security threats, and democratic concerns across West Africa, the role of ECOWAS is more critical than ever. This discussion will provide an opportunity to bridge the gap between ECOWAS and the citizens it serves, fostering greater inclusivity, transparency, and effectiveness in regional governance.
The event is expected to generate valuable insights that can inform policy recommendations for a stronger, more responsive ECOWAS.
For online participation:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_I_KLjMa5RviAS2-lgfThnA
