The seminar’s focus was on the evolution of ECOWAS’ security architecture, as outlined in the 1999 ECOWAS Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping and Security (commonly referred to as “the Mechanism”) and the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance adopted in 2001. The seminar generated policy debates and recommendations on how to accelerate the institutionalization of ECOWAS’ security architecture; leverage the roles of a diverse group of West African and UN actors to achieve ECOWAS’ aims; and address emerging and influential developments that affect the sub-region’s peace, security and governance architecture. Seven key themes were addressed during the seminar: West Africa’s Evolving Security Architecture; Mediation: The Council of Elders; The ECOWAS Earlywarning System; Peacekeeping: ECOWAS/UN Collaboration; Peacebuilding: ECOWAS and the UN Peacebuilding Commission; Elections and Democratic Transitions; and HIV/AIDS and Security.
