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UNODA and ECOWAS Strengthen Collaboration on Disarmament and Regional Security
High-Level Visit Reinforces Commitment to Peace in West Africa
Abuja, Nigeria | August 9, 2025 – In a significant diplomatic engagement, Mr. Adedeji Ebo, Director and Deputy to the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs at the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), concluded a strategic visit to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) headquarters this week. The visit underscored the growing partnership between international and regional bodies in tackling West Africa’s complex security challenges.
A Renewed Framework for Cooperation
The meetings between UNODA and ECOWAS leadership focused on modernizing the 2009 Memorandum of Understanding between the organizations. “The security landscape has transformed dramatically since we first established this framework,” explained Mr. Ebo during closed-door discussions. “From cyber threats to drone warfare, our cooperation must evolve to match these realities.”
Key discussion points included:
- Updating the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW)
- Addressing emerging threats like IEDs and autonomous weapons systems
- Enhancing cross-border arms control mechanisms
- Integrating gender perspectives into disarmament programs
Gender Mainstreaming Takes Center Stage
A highlight of the visit was the joint UNREC-ECOWAS regional workshop on gender mainstreaming in arms control. “Women and children bear the brunt of armed violence, yet are often excluded from solution-building,” noted an ECOWAS representative. The workshop trained officials from across West Africa on incorporating gender-sensitive approaches into national disarmament programs.
The initiative reflects growing recognition that effective arms control requires inclusive strategies. As one participant observed, “When women lead community disarmament efforts, we see higher compliance rates and more sustainable peace outcomes.”
Expanding the Scope of Regional Security
In a strategic shift, both organizations agreed to explore transforming ECOWAS’s Small Arms Division into a broader security entity. “Small arms remain critical, but we can’t ignore cyber warfare, drone proliferation, or AI-enabled threats,” stated ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security H.E. Ambassador Dr. Abdel-Fatau Musah.
The proposed expansion would enable:
- Enhanced monitoring of emerging weapons technologies
- Stronger regional coordination against cyber-enabled arms trafficking
- Capacity building for national security agencies
Confronting West Africa’s Security Challenges
With terrorism, intercommunal violence, and banditry plaguing the region, officials emphasized the urgent need for robust arms control. “Every illicit weapon that crosses borders fuels instability,” warned Dr. Musah, citing recent attacks in the Sahel. The parties agreed to prioritize:
- Implementation of the Global Framework on Through-Life Ammunition Management
- Strengthening the African Union’s Silencing the Guns initiative
- Developing regional responses to weaponized drones and IEDs
The Path Forward
UNODA committed to technical support for ECOWAS member states, including:
- Legal framework development
- Disarmament education programs
- Youth engagement initiatives
Mr. Ebo praised ECOWAS’s leadership, stating, “Regional solutions are essential for transnational threats. This partnership demonstrates how multilateral cooperation can build tangible security.”
As the visit concluded, both organizations announced plans for a joint task force to implement the updated agreements, with progress reviews scheduled for early 2026. The collaboration signals a new chapter in West Africa’s peace and security architecture, blending traditional disarmament approaches with innovative responses to 21st-century threats.
For more information on ECOWAS-UNODA cooperation, visit www.ecowas.int
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