The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is stepping up its efforts to bolster regional peace and security by evaluating the readiness and functionality of Early Warning and Response Centers in Ghana and Benin.
From July 31 to August 5, 2025, a joint technical mission led by ECOWAS’ Early Warning Directorate (EWD) and the ECOWAS Peace Fund (EPF) conducted on-site assessments to ensure these centers are fully equipped and operational.
This initiative is part of a broader regional strategy under the African Peace and Security Architecture Support Programme (APSA-SP), a project funded by both the European Union and the African Union Commission.
The mission’s mandate was to review the logistical, IT, and office equipment supplied to national centers, identifying operational challenges and recommending enhancements aligned with international standards and the ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework (ECPF).
The establishment of National Early Warning and Response Centres across West Africa marks a critical step in strengthening member states’ capacity to anticipate and manage socio-political, humanitarian, and security threats.
Alongside Ghana and Benin, countries such as Cape Verde, Niger, and Senegal have benefited from technical and material assistance to fortify their national systems.
“The assessment will provide essential data on the effectiveness and impact of support given, guiding future interventions and reinforcing the peace and security architecture in the region,” a statement from ECOWAS emphasized.
During the visit, the delegation also inspected training institutions and centers of excellence funded under Phase II of the APSA program, conducting monitoring and evaluation of the resources deployed.
Through this sustained cooperation, ECOWAS reaffirmed its dedication to regional solidarity and the construction of resilient institutions capable of preventing conflict and promoting peacebuilding throughout West Africa.
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