As part of efforts to enhance security within the West African region, the ECOWAS Commission organized a three-day capacity-building workshop for security thematic analysts of National Coordination Centres for Early Warning and Response Mechanism (NCCRM) from member states.
Organized by the Early Warning Directorate (EWD) of the ECOWAS Commission, the workshop, held from September 23-25 in Abuja, Nigeria, brought together national and regional experts. They analyzed various security challenges facing the region, reflected on existing peace and security instruments, and developed actionable recommendations for sustainable peace and security.
The workshop aimed to create a holistic understanding of contemporary security challenges in the region for NCCRM analysts responsible for security. It sought to enhance their capacity to analyze security threats, reinforce data-driven analysis using ECOWARN data, and establish networks and partnerships to better coordinate early warning and response activities within the region.
Given recent regional security threats, especially the spillover of violent extremism from central Sahel to the Gulf of Guinea, participants noted that it had become imperative to empower NCCRM with requisite techniques, strategies, and high-value skills in peacebuilding and conflict prevention paradigms of human security.
They also stressed the need to foster increased regional collaboration and develop actionable strategies to enhance peace and security thereby contributing to regional integration, peace, stability, and development.
In her welcome address, Acting Director of Early Warning Directorate Dr. Onyinye Onwuka reaffirmed ECOWAS Commission's commitment to regional security.
“The role of National Coordination Centres for Early Warning and Response Mechanism cannot be overstated. They are not just institutions; they are lifelines that must be empowered, resourced and supported to function at the highest capacity. As leaders in this region, we are entrusted with the safety and security of millions of people. The decisions we make, the policies we implement and the collaborations we foster will determine the future of West Africa,” said Dr. Onwuka.
“The training workshop is more than just a gathering of minds but a strategic imperative. We are here to confront hard truths about our security environment and forge a path forward that is both innovative and resilient. The security of our region is inextricably linked to the well-being of our people, stability of our economies, and sustainability of our development. We cannot afford to address these issues in silos,” she added.
In his presentation on “Data Quality, Verification and Analysis,” Mr. Gbenga Erin noted that maintaining high standards of data quality was critical for effective data analysis ensuring insights derived are accurate.
So far NCCRM have been established in eleven ECOWAS member states while preparatory activities are underway for launching four remaining centres. Following their launchings EWD has continued providing capacity building based on its five thematic focuses: governance & human rights; crime & criminality; security; environment; health.
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