The West African sub-region has been, for the last two decades, one of the most conflict prone regions of the world. It unfortunately also lays claim to two of the most brutal civil wars in modern history. The consequences on human life and social and political development have been immense. Since the 1990s, the Economic Community for West African states (ECOWAS) has been at the forefront of preventive diplomacy as part of the quest for lasting peace in West Africa.

The 'Improving West African Capacities for Mediation and Peace Processes Project', was designed and is being implemented in partnership with the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), and in collaboration with ECOWAS, to develop and strengthen mediation and peace process capacities in West Africa during the next three years.

Photos: Mariama Conteh/CMI