ECOWAS Strengthens JARP-WG to Combat Security and Stability Challenges in West Africa
Date: 30 Apr, 2025
Addressing Human Security Threats in the ECOWAS Region
Terrorism, violent extremism, conflict, transnational organized crime, climate change, epidemics, poverty, inequality, and unconstitutional changes of government pose significant threats to human security and stability in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region.
ECOWAS Vice-President Highlights Urgency of Joint Action
Speaking at the opening of the 2025 technical session of the Joint Analysis and Response Planning Working Group (JARP-WG) in Zuma Rock, Nigeria, ECOWAS Commission Vice-President Ms. Damtien Larbli Tchintchibidja emphasized the critical need for regional cooperation. Represented by Dr. Onyinye Onwuka, Acting Director of Early Warning, she stressed that addressing these challenges has never been more urgent.
Key Objectives of JARP-WG
Dr. Onwuka outlined the working group’s mission: “The JARP-WG aims to strengthen our capacity for joint analysis and response planning to threats to human security, while establishing standardized procedures and promoting collaboration between Commission departments and ECOWAS Member States.”
Three-Day Technical Session Brings Together Key Stakeholders
The session gathered directors of National Early Warning and Response Centres, ECOWAS Commission representatives, and members of the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP). Their collective goal was to analyze the 2024 human security situation and develop strategic recommendations for 2025.
Holistic Approach to Human Security
Participants examined risks, threats, and root causes of insecurity in the region, focusing on a human-centered approach to prevention and resolution. Dr. Onwuka expressed confidence that the meeting would yield deeper analysis and innovative perspectives for tackling security challenges.
Background and Structure of JARP-WG
Established in May 2022 and officially launched in July 2022, the JARP-WG operates across five thematic areas: security, crime, health, environment, and governance. Its primary objective is to enhance regional capacity for preventing, mitigating, and responding to human security threats through structured collaboration.
Enhancing Early Warning Systems
The session featured presentations on ECOWARN 2.0 and JARP tools, delivered by Marcel Bossou and Nanténé Coulibaly Seck from the ECOWAS Early Warning Department. These tools are designed to strengthen collaboration and improve early warning and response mechanisms across the region.