WAPIS Chiefs Meet in Lomé to Strengthen Regional Police Cooperation By Raymond Enoch
Heads of the West African Police Information Systems (SIPAO-WAPIS) have gathered in Lomé for a three-day high-level coordination meeting aimed at strengthening regional security cooperation and improving information sharing across West Africa.
The meeting, which runs from April 14 to 16, 2026, brings together key security officials, policymakers, and representatives of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to assess the progress made so far in implementing the WAPIS system at both national and regional levels.
WAPIS is a critical digital platform designed to support law enforcement agencies across West Africa by enabling the secure exchange of police information. It plays a vital role in tackling cross-border crimes such as terrorism, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and organized criminal activities.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Her Excellency Emily Gray, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Togo, emphasized the importance of collaboration among Member States in ensuring the success of the system. She noted that WAPIS remains a key tool in advancing regional peace and security, especially in a time when transnational threats continue to evolve.
Also present at the meeting was the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Security of Togo, Kadja Hodabalo, a Divisional Police Commissioner, who reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting regional security initiatives. He stressed that stronger coordination and shared responsibility among countries are essential for tackling modern security challenges.
Participants at the meeting are taking a close look at how far the system has been implemented across the region. Discussions are also focused on identifying the main challenges facing WAPIS, particularly following its transfer to ECOWAS management. These challenges include technical capacity, funding, and ensuring that all Member States fully integrate and utilize the system.
Another major focus of the meeting is sustainability. Delegates are working to agree on practical steps that will help Member States take full ownership of WAPIS, ensuring that the system remains effective and operational in the long term.
The opening session also witnessed the presence of several senior officials, including Dr. Cyriaque Agnekethom, Director of Peacekeeping and Regional Security at the ECOWAS Commission; Ms. Laygbay Lilian Amadu, Deputy Secretary and ECOWAS Desk Officer; and Ambassador Sandra Folquet, Director of Integration and Head of the ECOWAS Unit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Côte d’Ivoire.
Their participation highlights the strong political and institutional support behind the WAPIS initiative and underscores ECOWAS’ continued commitment to regional integration and collective security.
As the meeting continues, expectations remain high that concrete outcomes will emerge, including stronger coordination frameworks, improved technical support, and renewed commitment from Member States.
For West Africa, where security threats often cross borders with ease, the success of WAPIS could mark a major step forward in building a safer and more secure region. political and institutional support behind the WAPIS initiative and underscores ECOWAS’ continued commitment to regional integration and collective security.
As the meeting continues, expectations remain high that concrete outcomes will emerge, including stronger coordination frameworks, improved technical support, and renewed commitment from Member States.
For West Africa, where security threats often cross borders with ease, the success of WAPIS could mark a major step forward in building a safer and more secure region.
