ECOWAS and Institute for Security Studies (ISS )Engage in a High Level Dialogue , Renew MoU.

By Raymond Enoch

In a significant move to bolster regional security and governance, His Excellency Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, welcomed a high-level delegation from the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) to discuss the renewal of their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The meeting, held in a spirit of cooperation and mutual commitment, focused on advancing security governance, conflict prevention, and capacity-building initiatives throughout West Africa.

The ISS delegation, led by Ms. Lori-Anne Théroux-Bénoni and Colonel (Ret.) Hassane Koné, reaffirmed their dedication to supporting ECOWAS through evidence-based policy recommendations and cutting-edge research expertise. The collaboration aims to address the region’s most pressing security challenges by promoting effective, research-driven policymaking.

Both parties underscored the vital role of strategic partnerships in advancing peace and stability across West Africa. As threats such as terrorism, organized crime, and political instability continue to shape the region’s security landscape, ECOWAS is committed to fostering stronger alliances that provide practical, long-term solutions.

“The renewal of this MoU reflects our unwavering dedication to enhancing security across West Africa through collaborative efforts and informed decision-making,” Dr. Touray stated. “We look forward to leveraging ISS’s expertise to tackle emerging security concerns and ensure sustainable development across our region.”

The ISS delegation, for their part, emphasized the importance of ongoing research and knowledge-sharing as key components of any successful security strategy. “We are committed to providing ECOWAS with the tools and insights needed to navigate the complex security dynamics of the region,” said Ms. Théroux-Bénoni.

With the renewed commitment to a partnership founded on research and shared expertise, both ECOWAS and ISS are poised to lead West Africa into a future marked by greater security, peace, and prosperity.

This collaboration highlights a growing recognition within the international community of the need for sustained and evidence-based approaches to addressing the multifaceted security challenges facing West Africa. As the region’s security landscape evolves, so too does the imperative for collaborative, forward-thinking solutions.