The ECOWAS Commission, in collaboration with Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya, organized the West African Islamic Conference on Security and Governance at the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja. The event, held from November 4 to 6, 2025, gathered participants including Islamic organizations, government officials, traditional and religious leaders, scholars, policymakers, youth representatives, and regional partners. The goal was to develop practical strategies for addressing terrorism, violent extremism, and governance issues in West Africa and the Sahel.
The conference centered on the theme of “The Role of Islamic Organizations in Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism in West Africa and the Sahel.” Discussions highlighted the need to improve governance structures, protect children within traditional Islamic education systems from exploitation by extremist groups, and enhance cooperation between state authorities and non-state actors to support peace and stability.
Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, African Union High Representative for Silencing the Guns and Chairman of the AU High-Level Panel on Sudan Conflict Resolution, spoke about resolving conflicts through dialogue rather than force. He said:
“Peace cannot be achieved by force, but by moral authority, spiritual guidance, and inclusive engagement. Our religious and traditional leaders, whose influence reaches deep into the hearts of our people, are indispensable partners in countering violence and building peaceful communities.”
Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah (Ph.D), ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security emphasized ECOWAS’ dedication to security efforts across the region. He stated:
“Fighting terrorism and violent extremism remains our top priority in achieving collective security, which is the foundation for regional stability, prosperity, and deeper integration. This requires a multipronged approach, combining good governance, social cohesion, and strong partnerships with faith-based organizations and communities.”
The conference comes at a time when terrorist threats remain high across West Africa and the Sahel. Participants addressed concerns about vulnerable children enrolled in traditional Islamic schools—known as almajirai or talibés—who may be targeted by extremist networks. The forum called for reforms that modernize these educational systems while preserving their cultural significance.
Delegates discussed several key topics during the three-day event: strengthening community resilience; reforming Islamic education; combating misinformation; encouraging interfaith dialogue; empowering youth; and improving cooperation between Islamic institutions and governments.
This initiative supports existing frameworks such as the ECOWAS Counter-Terrorism Strategy; Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance; Declaration of Niamey on Education for a Culture of Peace; as well as broader continental goals under Agenda 2063 from the African Union.
ECOWAS thanked Nigeria’s government for hosting the conference along with support from other regional partners. Funding came from the ECOWAS Peace Fund as part of ongoing efforts towards local solutions under Vision 2050 for a secure region benefiting all citizens.