Addressing the Root Causes of Instability in West Africa
Experts and peacebuilding stakeholders have expressed growing concerns that the ongoing instability in West Africa is not solely driven by armed violence. Instead, they highlight that governance failures, weak state institutions, and exclusionary political practices are major contributors to the region’s challenges. These issues are seen as critical barriers to achieving lasting peace and security.
The discussion was part of the second edition of the West Africa Peace and Security Dialogue (WaPSED 2025), held in Abuja. The event brought together a wide range of participants, including policymakers, security experts, civil society organizations, academics, and representatives from regional bodies like ECOWAS. It was organized by several key institutions, such as the Building Blocks for Peace (BBFORPEACE) Foundation, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), and the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflicts (GPPAC) West Africa.
The Need for Inclusive Governance and Regional Collaboration
Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, Director-General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), emphasized the importance of inclusive dialogue and locally driven strategies in addressing the region’s challenges. He pointed out that issues such as violent extremism, political instability, and climate-induced conflicts require sustainable solutions rooted in strong regional cooperation and community engagement.
“Sustainable peace in West Africa requires strong regional cooperation and locally driven strategies. We must strengthen our institutions, empower communities, and integrate peace education into national development frameworks,” Ochogwu said during his speech at the event.
He urged participants to move beyond theoretical discussions and focus on practical strategies that can transform the region’s security and governance landscape. This call for action reflects the urgency of addressing systemic issues that continue to undermine stability.
A Multifaceted Threat to Stability
Mr. Rafiu Adeniran Lawal, Executive Director of the Building Blocks for Peace Foundation and Regional Coordinator of GPPAC West Africa, highlighted the diverse threats facing the sub-region. These include banditry, insurgency, democratic decline, and economic hardship. He noted that herder-farmer clashes and the resurgence of military takeovers in countries like Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea reflect a troubling trend of democratic retreat and disillusionment with governance.
“The dialogue was convened to explore solutions to the diverse threats undermining stability across the sub-region. Our goal is to centre real actors and lived experiences. By harnessing local knowledge and regional solidarity, we can chart a new course that places people, not power, at the heart of peacebuilding,” Lawal explained.
The 2025 Dialogue, themed ‘Reimagining Peace and Security in West Africa: Local Solutions, Regional Solidarity and Global Partnerships,’ aimed to promote community ownership of peace processes and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders.
The Role of Governance in Peacebuilding
Prof. Isaac Olawale Albert of the Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies and the TETFund Centre of Excellence in Security Management, University of Ibadan, stressed that the root causes of insecurity in West Africa lie in poor governance, weak leadership, and the failure of states to meet citizens’ expectations.
“The problem is not just a lack of weapons to fight insurgents; it is the weakness of our governance systems. Corruption, poor coordination, and elite competition over state resources have created governance vacuums that non-state actors now exploit,” Prof. Albert said.
He argued that lasting solutions require a balanced approach that combines local innovation, regional solidarity, and international support to tackle governance gaps, inequality, and institutional decay. “Peace and security cannot be sustained by governments alone. They must be co-owned by citizens, institutions, and regional partners who share a common vision for stability,” he warned.
Strengthening Institutions and Promoting Accountability
Prof. Albert also called on governments to prioritize institution-building, promote accountability, and invest in effective local governance structures capable of addressing community-level grievances. His remarks underscored the need for a multi-pronged strategy that involves all sectors of society.
Participants at the dialogue agreed that rebuilding trust between governments and citizens, strengthening democracy, and promoting transparent governance are essential for achieving lasting peace in the region. The event served as a platform for discussing practical measures that can foster stability and resilience across West Africa.