ECOWAS and GIZ Strengthen Peacebuilding Alliance, Launch NNPI-WA for Regional Cooperation and Conflict Prevention
By Raymond Enoch
In a significant stride towards enhancing regional peace infrastructure, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ) convened a pivotal three-day consultation in Accra, Ghana, from April 28–30, 2025. This gathering brought together national peace actors, civil society organizations, and regional partners to deliberate on strengthening early warning systems, refining conflict prevention mechanisms, fostering inclusive dialogue, and building resilience against multifaceted security threats.
A cornerstone of the event was the proposal to establish the Network of National Peace Institutions in West Africa (NNPI-WA). This initiative aims to serve as a formal platform to bolster collaboration, harmonize strategies, and facilitate crucial learning among peace institutions across the region. The establishment of NNPI-WA underscores a collective commitment to reinforcing West Africa’s capacity to manage conflicts and build lasting peace from within.
The consultations were organized under the Support to ECOWAS in Peace, Security, and Governance (EPSG) project, co-funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and implemented by GIZ in cooperation with Expertise France and FIAP. This collaborative effort highlights the importance of sustained partnerships in addressing the complex peace and security challenges facing the West African region.
The launch of NNPI-WA marks a significant milestone in regional cooperation, reflecting a shared vision for a peaceful and stable West Africa. As ECOWAS and GIZ continue to strengthen their partnership, the establishment of NNPI-WA is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing peacebuilding efforts and fostering a more resilient region.
This development aligns with broader regional initiatives aimed at enhancing conflict prevention and promoting sustainable peace across West Africa. The collaborative efforts of ECOWAS, GIZ, and their partners signify a renewed commitment to addressing the root causes of conflict and building a foundation for lasting peace in the region.
The NNPI-WA initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to peacebuilding, emphasizing the importance of local ownership, regional collaboration, and institutional capacity-building in addressing the dynamic challenges of conflict and insecurity in West Africa. As the network takes shape, it is expected to serve as a model for other regions grappling with similar challenges, demonstrating the power of collective action and shared responsibility in the pursuit of peace.
