The ECOWAS Commission, in collaboration with the German Federal Foreign Office, the European Union, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and the Diplo Foundation, organized a workshop on cyber diplomacy simulation. The event took place in Accra, Ghana from June 5 to 7, 2024 and brought together representatives from ECOWAS Member States’ Ministries of Foreign Affairs.
This workshop is part of the “Joint Platform for Advancing Cyber Security in West Africa” initiative. Its primary objective is to enhance understanding of critical cyber-related issues and processes that contribute to international peace and security while strengthening participants' cyber diplomacy capabilities. The simulation included exercises on topics such as the application of international law in cyberspace, norms, confidence-building measures, and capacity building. These activities were centered around the United Nations' 'Negotiations of the Open-Ended Working Group on security of and in the use of information and communications technologies 2021 – 2025.'
Ambassador Baba Gana Wakil, Resident Representative of ECOWAS in Ghana, spoke on behalf of Mr. Sédiko Douka, ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy, and Digitalisation. He emphasized the importance of cyber diplomacy in an interconnected world where cyber threats transcend national borders. "Cyber diplomacy enables diplomats to form alliances, share threat intelligence, and collectively strategize to protect against cyberattacks," he stated. Engaging in international dialogues allows ECOWAS to shape global cyber policies ensuring a secure digital future.
H.E. Sivine Jansen, Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy representing the German Ambassador to Ghana, highlighted that cybersecurity challenges are increasingly complex. She noted that diplomats' negotiating skills and knowledge need continuous updating to meet current realities. "The workshop aimed to bridge gaps, build trust, and empower diplomats to shape the emerging regional cybersecurity agenda," she said.
The simulation exercises were led by Mr. Ljupčo Gjorgjinski from the Diplo Foundation and former Chair of the Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) on Lethal Autonomous Weapons under the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW).
Participants concluded by committing to a united effort in addressing cybersecurity challenges for a more secure interconnected ECOWAS region.
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