𝐁𝐁𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐝 “𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞: 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚” We are happy to share with our supporters and partners the narrative report of our efforts in 2025. In the words of our executive director, 'I am very proud as the Executive Director of Building Blocks for Peace Foundation, to share how our collective resilience, partnerships and commitment have shaped milestones that continue to define our journey forward. At the beginning of the year 2025, which was themed ‘Consolidating Peace: Advancing the Implementation of Youth, Women Peace and Security Agenda’, we had committed and set out to increase our support for youth and women building blocks for peace across communities in Nigeria and beyond. This report shows that we kept our commitment. From Brussels to Banjul, Nairobi to Bishoftu, Kampala to The Hague, Oslo to Addis Ababa, Niamey to Amman, Freetown to Accra, Ibadan to Makurdi we worked alongside local and international stakeholders, shaping policies, empowering youth, amplifying youth and women’s voices, and celebrating their resilience. Download report here bit.ly/4c43T22

“We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.” At @bbforpeace, we believe that a better world begins with a peaceful heart. True peace begins in the heart. Before we can build a world free from hatred, violence, and division, we must first learn to embrace ourselves, heal our wounds, forgive, and let go of the bitterness that weighs us down. As you commence this new week, we encourage you to: Choose love over hate. Choose forgiveness over resentment. Choose understanding over judgment. Choose inner healing over anger. Make peace with yourself. Spread peace to others. Be the reason someone believes in peace again. Remember, creating a peaceful world starts with the choices we make every day. When we nurture #peace within ourselves, we become a source of hope, kindness, and positive change for others. Wishing you a #peaceful and beautiful week ahead. #Yes2Peace #PeopleBuildingPeace #MondayMotivation

𝐀 𝐌𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐀𝐆𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐁𝐁𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐄𝐗𝐄𝐂𝐔𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐃𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐑 On behalf of our Executive Director at @bbforpeace, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who celebrated him on his birthday. Thank you for the prayers, warm wishes, calls, and thoughtful messages. Your kind gestures and goodwill are deeply appreciated and made his birthday even more special. We do not take your love and support for granted. Thank you for being part of this special moment. With gratitude from all of us at BBFORPEACE!

🎉 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐊 𝐆𝐎𝐃 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐘! We made it to Friday! 🙌🏽 Thank God for life. Thank God for hope. Thank God it’s Friday! A moment to pause, give thanks, and celebrate the gift of life, hope, and another opportunity to make a difference. At @bbforpeace, we believe that every day is an opportunity to spread love, promote peace, embrace unity, and build a better world for everyone. As you step into the weekend, remember: peace begins with you, kindness starts with a choice, and every little act of love counts. May your Friday be filled with joy, your weekend with rest, and your heart with gratitude. Let’s keep choosing #peace, spreading kindness, and inspiring positive change wherever we go! #TGIF #HappyFriday #PeopleBuildingPeace

🎉𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗬 𝗕𝗜𝗥𝗧𝗛𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗧𝗢 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗗 𝗘𝗫𝗘𝗖𝗨𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗗𝗜𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗢𝗥, 𝗠𝗥. 𝗥𝗔𝗙𝗜𝗨 𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗥𝗔𝗡 𝗟𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗟! Today, we proudly celebrate a dedicated leader, a passionate peacebuilder, and a committed advocate for positive social change, @RafiuLawal88, the Executive Director of @bbforpeace. Your dedication to peacebuilding, youth empowerment, community development, and the promotion of peaceful coexistence reflects a strong commitment to creating a better and more inclusive society. On this special occasion, we celebrate your leadership, vision, and continued commitment to building a culture of #peace and inspiring individuals and communities to become agents of positive change. As you mark another year of life, may the year ahead bring you greater wisdom, renewed strength, sound health, abundant joy, and remarkable achievements. May your efforts continue to inspire hope, your vision opens new possibilities, and your contributions to peacebuilding leave a lasting impact on generations to come. From all of us at BBFORPEACE, we wish you a joyful birthday filled with love, happiness, favour, and countless blessings. #HappyBirthday!

𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡, 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲: 𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. Young people cannot be expected to sustain peace in systems that exclude them from shaping it. At @bbforpeace, we believe the real test of the Youth, Peace and Security agenda is not how often we talk about youth inclusion, but how much influence young people actually have in decisions affecting their communities. The question is no longer whether young people can contribute to #peace. It is whether institutions are ready to share the space, trust, and responsibility required to make that contribution meaningful. Youth inclusion must move from rhetoric to power, from participation to influence, and from promises to practice. #Youth4Peace #PeopleBuildingPeace #LeaveNoOneBehind

📢 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦! 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗹 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝗳 𝗩𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗺(𝗣/𝗖𝘃𝗲) Themed: Shaping Narratives and Strengthening Resilience: Strategic Communication for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism in West Africa Date:November 3–4, 2026 Location:Abuja, Nigeria Are you a civil society practitioner working in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, or the prevention and countering of violent extremism in West Africa? This is an opportunity to strengthen your skills, exchange experiences, and contribute to building more peaceful and resilient communities across the region! As extremist narratives, misinformation, and digital influence continue to shape the peace and security landscape in West Africa, civil society organisations have a critical role to play in promoting credible peace narratives, strengthening community resilience, and countering harmful messages. @bbforpeace, in partnership with @wapsed_official, @CORNWestAfrica, with support from @gppac, and @DutchMFA invites applications from experienced civil society practitioners across West Africa for a two-day regional training designed to build practical skills in strategic communication for P/CVE. Why Participate? This training will provide a platform for regional knowledge exchange, peer learning, and collaboration. Participants will contribute to developing practical P/CVE communication approaches and strengthening a regional community of practice dedicated to promoting peace and countering violent extremism. What You Will Gain Selected participants will gain practical knowledge and skills in: 📌Understanding extremist narratives and their influence on communities. 📌Analysing audiences, information ecosystems, and trusted messengers. 📌Developing credible alternative narratives and positive peace messaging. 📌Addressing misinformation, harmful rumours, and emerging digital risks. 📌Strengthening community resilience through strategic communication. 📌Designing practical communication interventions for preventing and countering violent extremism. Apply here: bit.ly/4B1IpNJ Application deadline: 23 October 2026 Join us in shaping narratives that promote peace, strengthen trust, and build resilient communities across West Africa! #PeopleBuildingPeace

𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐖𝐀𝐏𝐒𝐞𝐃 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐭𝐨 𝐖𝐀𝐏𝐒𝐞𝐃 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕: 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚’𝐬 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 “Rather than designing one uniform security response for all of West Africa, perhaps it is high time security governance is differentiated according to the geographical reach and character of particular threats.” Kindly find the Opening Keynote Address delivered by erudite Professor Charles UKEJE, mni, Board Chair, BBFORPEACE, at the recently concluded 𝐓𝐰𝐨-𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞 organsied by @bbforpeace, in partnership with @gppac, @laclacnetwork, @wapsed_official, with support from @DutchMFA as part of the Connecting for Peace: Powerful Local Peacebuilding and Policies. Read/Download Here: shorturl.at/LH0QS #PreWAPSeD2027 #PeopleBuildingPeace

𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒: 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇, 𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐘(𝐘𝐏𝐒) 𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐘 𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐔𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐈𝐈: 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 Who protects young people, and how can we make protection systems work for everyone? @bbforpeace, in partnership with @cofpnigeria, supported by @ng_youthfund, is convening its second series of online policy dialogues to amplify diverse voices and generate practical recommendations for a policy paper on youth and peacebuilding. Date: Tuesday, 13 October 2026 Time: 2PM Lagos Time Venue: Zoom (See the flier for more details) The dialogue seeks to explore the protection challenges facing young people in Nigeria and identify practical, inclusive, and policy-driven solutions to address them. It will examine how protection systems can better respond to the realities of young people affected by conflict, displacement, marginalisation, gender-based violence, climate-related insecurity and the criminal justice system. We invite young peacebuilders, policymakers, youth-led organisations, civil society actors, traditional and religious leaders, researchers, and other stakeholders to participate in the second series of its Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) Policy Dialogues, focusing on the Protection Pillar. The dialogue aims to identify gaps in existing protection policies and mechanisms, generate actionable recommendations, strengthen collaboration among stakeholders, and contribute to the development of a policy paper that advances the implementation of Nigeria's National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security. We believe young people should not only be recognised as individuals requiring protection but also as active partners in shaping the policies and systems that keep them safe. Apply here: docs.google.com/forms/d/1M7s… #Youth4Peace #NigeriaYouthFuturesFund #TheNigeriaWeWant

Peace is not achieved by controlling nations, but mastering our thoughts. - John Harricharan True peace begins within. It’s not about borders, governments, or power, it’s about the quiet strength of the mind. When we learn to master our thoughts, we free ourselves from anger, fear, and division. Nations may rise and fall, but the human spirit remains unshaken when it is rooted in inner peace. As we commence this new week, @bbforpeace would like to remind you that the greatest battles are not fought on the outside, but within. Every time we choose compassion over conflict, understanding over judgment, and calm over chaos, we contribute to a world where #peace is possible. Remember: mastering our thoughts is the first step to mastering our world. Wishing you a #peaceful and productive week ahead. #Yes2Peace #HappyNewWeek #PeopleBuildingPeace #MondayMotivation

𝐁𝐁𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 The weekend is here! @bbforpeace encourages you to read the 𝐊𝐞𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐬𝐚𝐚𝐜 𝐎𝐥𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞 (𝐖𝐀𝐏𝐒𝐞𝐃) 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓. Given the constraints faced by national authorities, there is growing recognition among scholars and policymakers of the insufficiency of national-level interventions as the sole mechanism for managing peace and security. Local violence, often manifesting in ethnic clashes, resource-based disputes, or community mobilisation through armed groups, frequently escapes the reach or adequate under-standing of national governments. Similarly, conflicts with transnational features, such as cross-border insurgencies, trafficking, and refugee flows, necessitate regional coordination to prevent spillovers and to mount coherent responses. Regional organisations, due to their geographical and political proximity, provide frameworks for collective action and normative enforcement that transcend state boundaries. Local actors, simultaneously, embody contextual knowledge, legitimacy, and direct stakes in peace building, which are crucial to achieving sustainable outcomes. Thus, multi-tiered engagement encompassing local ownership complemented by national and regional partnership has emerged as a preferred paradigm for addressing the layered peace and security challenges in West Africa. Click the link below to Read. Learn. Share. Build Peace. shorturl.at/nuI3l Wishing you a #peaceful and beautiful weekend! #HappyWeekend #BBFORPEACEWeekendReads #PeopleBuildingPeace #WAPSeD2025

𝐀 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐁𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 Behind every program that thrives, Are hands that plan, hearts that care, Minds that coordinate, And a team that shows up—everywhere. When challenges arise, you find a way, When plans shift, you stand strong, With teamwork as your compass And excellence guiding you along. From the first idea to the final day, You give your time, your strength, your best. You turn plans into meaningful action And every program into a chance to create impact. Today, we celebrate You, Dear Team The quiet force behind every success, The people who make coordination look effortless, And who remind us that great impact Is built by great teams. For every plan perfected, Every detail attended to, Every challenge overcome, And every life touched— We celebrate you. 👏🏾 Keep leading. Keep building. Keep inspiring. Keep making #peace possible. #PeopleBuildingPeace

𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐊 𝐆𝐎𝐃 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐘! 🎉 A new Friday, another reason to be grateful! This week may have come with its challenges, but we’re still standing, still hopeful, and still committed to making the world a better place. At @bbforpeace, we’re stepping into the weekend with grateful hearts and a renewed commitment to building a world where #peace thrives, love leads, and every voice matters. As you enjoy your Friday, remember: you don’t have to change the whole world to make a difference. One act of kindness, one #peaceful choice, one helping hand can start a ripple of change. Let’s make kindness our habit and peace our lifestyle! From all of us at BBFORPEACE, we wish you a peaceful, refreshing, and beautiful weekend. #TGIF #PeopleBuildingPeace

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐘𝐨𝐮, 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐀𝐥𝐥 A heartfelt thank you to all our participants, speakers, partners, supporters, and everyone who contributed to the success of the Two-Day Review and Strategic Meeting on the West Africa Peace and Security Landscape organised by @bbforpeace, in partnership with @gppac, @laclacnetwork, @wapsed_official, supported by @DutchMFA. Your time, expertise, ideas, openness, and commitment made the conversations meaningful and impactful. We are especially grateful to our partners and supporters whose collaboration continues to make spaces for dialogue, reflection, and collective action possible. The journey does not end here. We reflect, we learn, we reimagine, and we move forward—together. #PreWAPSeD2027 #PeopleBuildingPeace

𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐀𝐏𝐒𝐞𝐃 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 | 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 The WAPSeD 2025 Dialogue demonstrated the value of creating spaces where stakeholders from across West Africa can come together to reflect on the region’s complex peace and security challenges and collectively imagine locally relevant solutions. With a strong emphasis on local solutions, regional solidarity, and global partnerships, the Dialogue provided an important foundation for strengthening cooperation, knowledge-sharing, and collective action among diverse peacebuilding actors. The recently concluded Two-Day Review and Strategic Meeting on the West Africa Peace and Security Landscape was the next important step in this journey. It created space for honest reflection and critical conversations around what #WAPSeD2025 achieved, what changed as a result, what remains unfinished, and what needs to be done differently, improved, or scaled going forward. Through panel discussions, collective reflections, SWOT analysis, priority-setting, and visioning for WAPSeD 2027, participants contributed valuable perspectives towards shaping the future of WAPSeD and strengthening its role in advancing peace and security across West Africa. #PreWAPSeD2027 #PeopleBuildingPeace

𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐈𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 Across West Africa, climate change is not a distant threat—it is already reshaping lives, livelihoods, and communities. Rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall are putting pressure on food and water resources. Farmers and pastoralists are facing growing competition over shrinking resources. Floods, droughts, and land degradation are displacing communities and deepening vulnerabilities. Where institutions and resources are already stretched, these pressures can contribute to tensions, displacement, and conflict. Climate change does not automatically cause conflict. But it can act as a threat multiplier, intensifying existing inequalities, vulnerabilities, and grievances. For West Africa, climate action must therefore go hand in hand with peacebuilding, inclusive governance, community resilience, and conflict prevention. At @bbforpeace, we believe that building climate-resilient communities is also an investment in sustainable peace and human security. We call on governments, civil society, development partners, young people, and local communitiesto: Invest in climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods. Strengthen community-based mechanisms for preventing resource-related conflicts. Integrate climate risks into peacebuilding and conflict-prevention strategies. Ensure that women and young people have a meaningful voice in climate and peace decisions. Promote equitable access to land, water, and other vital resources. The future of West Africa depends on our ability to build communities that are both climate-resilient and #peaceful. #ClimatePeaceSecurity #PeopleBuildingPeace

𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲-𝐒𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐚𝐛 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐖𝐀𝐏𝐒𝐞𝐃 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕: 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐖𝐀𝐏𝐒𝐞𝐃 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕 At the Two-Day Review and Strategic Meeting on the West Africa Peace and Security Landscape organised by @bbforpeace, in partnership with @gppac, @laclacnetwork, @wapsedofficial, supported by @DutchMFA, participants took an active role in shaping the future direction, priorities, and ambitions of WAPSeD 2027. Through interactive discussions and collective reflections, participants explored four key areas: 🔹 The Priority-Setting Lab: What should WAPSeD 2027 focus on? Participants identified priority areas, emerging issues, and critical peace and security concerns that should inform the agenda for WAPSeD 2027. 🔹 Reimagining WAPSeD: What should WAPSeD 2027 achieve? Participants reflected on the outcomes and impact WAPSeD 2027 should deliver, while exploring new approaches to strengthen its relevance and value. 🔹 What should WAPSeD 2027 Become? Participants envisioned the future identity, role, and positioning of WAPSeD 2027 within the broader West African peace and security landscape. 🔹 Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation Participants explored opportunities to strengthen strategic partnerships, deepen collaboration, and mobilise the resources needed to translate WAPSeD’s vision and priorities into meaningful action. The sessions reinforced a key principle: WAPSeD’s future must be shaped collectively. By bringing diverse voices, experiences, expertise, and perspectives to the table, participants contributed to a shared vision for a more impactful, inclusive, and responsive WAPSeD 2027. #PreWAPSeD2027 #PeopleBuildingPeace

𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬| 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐀𝐏𝐒𝐞𝐃’𝐬 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 As part of the Two-Day Review and Strategic Meeting on the West Africa Peace and Security Landscape organised by @bbforpeace, in partnership with @gppac, @laclacnetwork, @wapsedofficial, supported by @DutchMFA, participants came together for a collective reflection on what should now be done, improved, strengthened, and scaled to enhance the impact of peace and security efforts across the region. Through an engaging SWOT Analysis, participants examined the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats shaping the work of #WAPSeD, while reflecting on its value addition and how it can continue to respond to the evolving peace and security landscape in West Africa. The session provided a valuable space for participants to share experiences, identify gaps, build on lessons learned, and generate practical ideas for strengthening collaboration and impact. Most importantly, the reflections reaffirmed the importance of collective ownership, strategic partnerships, evidence-informed action, and sustained engagement in advancing peace and security across West Africa. #PreWAPSeD2027 #PeopleBuildingPeace

𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐞𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞: 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚: 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞 The closing keynote at the 𝐓𝐰𝐨-𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞 organised by @bbforpeace, in partnership with @gppac, @laclacnetwork, @wapsedofficial, supported by @DutchMFA was delivered by Professor Isaac Mbachu, mni, Department of Defence Studies and Security Studies, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna. Part of the address reads below: “West Africa is confronted by a rapidly evolving security environment characterised by interconnected and transnational threats. The spread of terrorism from the Sahel into coastal states, increasing political instability, organised criminal networks, climate-induced resource conflicts, and cyber insecurity have collectively challenged traditional approaches to national and regional security. The Sahel now accounts for a substantial share of global terrorism-related fatalities, while extremist groups continue to expand into previously stable areas of West Africa. The security challenges facing the region cannot be understood solely through military perspectives. Contemporary threats are deeply rooted in governance deficits, socio-economic inequalities, environmental stress, and institutional weaknesses. Terrorist organisations increasingly exploit local grievances, porous borders, weak state presence, and illicit economies to expand their influence. Organised criminal networks involved in arms trafficking, drug smuggling, illegal mining, and human trafficking provide critical support structures for extremist groups. At the regional level, ECOWAS continues to play a critical role in conflict prevention and peacebuilding. However, recent political developments, including tensions between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), have exposed challenges to regional cohesion and collective security mechanisms. At the same time, opportunities exist for renewed cooperation through the ECOWAS Early Warning System, the Accra Initiative, the Multinational Joint Task Force, and African Union security frameworks…” #PreWAPSeD2027 #PeopleBuildingPeace

𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝟐| 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 At the recently concluded 𝐓𝐰𝐨-𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞, organised by @bbforpeace, in partnership with @gppac, @laclacnetwork, @wapsedofficial, supported by @DutchMFA, the second panel session took a critical look at the evolving peace and security landscape across West Africa. The session brought together diverse perspectives on what has changed since 2025, emerging risks and trends, the effectiveness of existing policies and strategies, leadership dynamics, and the broader evidence and context shaping peace and security in the region. We extend our sincere appreciation to our distinguished speakers from @CDDWestAfrica, @HACP Niger, @WACEE Ghana, @IMRAP Mali, and @CORN_WestAfrica for sharing their valuable insights and enriching the conversation. These critical reflections are essential to understanding emerging realities and strengthening collective efforts towards sustainable peace, security, and stability in West Africa. #PreWAPSeD2027 #PeopleBuildingPeace

𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟏 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐰𝐨-𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞 Organised by @bbforpeace, in conjunction with @gppac, @laclacnetwork, @wapsedofficial, with support from @DutchMFA. The first panel session provided an opportunity to reflect on the actions and initiatives undertaken by individuals, institutions, and partners since the convening of #WAPSeD2025 to advance peace and security across West Africa. We are grateful to our distinguished panel speakers from @laclacnetwork, @WANEPNigeria, @ecowas_cedeao, @IpcrNigeria, @repsfeco Senegal, and @WILPF Burkina Faso for their insightful perspectives and robust contributions to the discussion. Together, these conversations continue to strengthen collaboration, share lessons, and shape collective approaches towards a more peaceful and secure West Africa. #PreWAPSeD2027 #PeopleBuildingPeace