West Africa Peace and Security Dialogue
We foster dialogue & solidarity.
A regional platform uniting policymakers, researchers, civil society, and young peacebuilders across West Africa.
12+
Regional Dialogues Convened
1,500+
Stakeholders Engaged
15
West African Countries
6
Thematic Focus Areas
#PeopleBuildingPeace
About Us
Why WAPSeD?
The West Africa Peace and Security Dialogue (WAPSeD) is a platform designed to strengthen regional cooperation and promote locally driven approaches to peace and security — seamlessly linking community experience, policy engagement, and regional partnership.
Since its inception, the Dialogue has served as a bridge between grassroots experiences and regional policy discussions — creating space for stakeholders to develop practical solutions to shared challenges.
- Conflict Prevention & Peacebuilding
- Preventing Violent Extremism
- Women, Peace & Security
- Youth, Peace & Security
- Climate & Human Security
- Regional Cooperation
🎯
Our Mission
To strengthen regional cooperation and evidence-based dialogue that enhances peace, security, and development across West Africa.
👁️
Our Vision
A peaceful, resilient, and inclusive West Africa where collaborative action and shared knowledge promote sustainable peace and human security.
What We Focus On
Our Focus Areas
Conflict Prevention & Peacebuilding
Strengthening mechanisms that prevent violence and build social cohesion.
Preventing Violent Extremism
Supporting community resilience and local responses to insecurity.
Women, Peace & Security
Advancing the meaningful participation of women in peace and security processes.
Youth, Peace & Security
Empowering young people as agents of peace and positive change.
Climate, Environment & Human Security
Addressing emerging threats linked to climate change and environmental pressures.
Regional Cooperation
Encouraging collaboration among West African states and institutions.
How We Work
Our Approach
01
Research & Knowledge
Producing policy briefs, reports, and evidence-based recommendations to inform decisions.
02
Dialogue & Convenings
Providing spaces for stakeholders to discuss emerging peace and security issues.
03
Capacity Building
Strengthening the skills of institutions and practitioners working on peace and security.
04
Advocacy & Policy
Influencing policies and promoting collaborative responses to emerging challenges.
05
Partnerships & Networks
Building strategic alliances that amplify impact and encourage regional cooperation.
Our Programmes
Featured Programmes & Initiatives
Annual Regional Dialogue
Our flagship convening, bringing together stakeholders from across West Africa to shape shared peace and security priorities.
Youth & Women in Peacebuilding
Advancing the meaningful participation of young people and women across peace and security processes.
Research & Policy Engagement
Evidence-based briefs and dialogues connecting grassroots realities to regional policy.
News & Updates
Latest Stories
- Reimagining Peace and Security in West Africa: Local Solutions, Regional Solidarity and Global Partnerships
This policy brief draws on insights from the West Africa Peace and Security Dialogue to examine how community-level responses to conflict and… Read more: Reimagining Peace and Security in West Africa: Local Solutions, Regional Solidarity and Global Partnerships - WAPSeD Policy Report 2025
WAPSeD’s policy report examining peace and security trends across West Africa — bringing together regional analysis, insights from the Dialogue, and practical recommendations for policymakers and practitioners. - WAPSeD 2025 DialogueA multi-day regional convening bringing together policymakers, researchers, civil society, and young peacebuilders from across West Africa to discuss shared peace and… Read more: WAPSeD 2025 Dialogue
Publications & Resources
An open-access library for West African peace policy
Explore policy briefs, research reports, conference communiqués, and multimedia resources — free to read, download, and share.
What you’ll find
- Policy Briefs
- Research Reports
- Conference Communiqués
- Briefing Notes & Event Reports
- Multimedia Library
Our Partners
Working in Partnership
WAPSeD collaborates with a growing network of institutions committed to peace and security across West Africa.
Get Involved
Join the Network
WAPSeD welcomes individuals and organizations committed to advancing peace and security across West Africa.
Participate
Register for upcoming dialogues and events.
Partner With Us
Collaborate on WAPSeD initiatives and activities.
Support the Dialogue
Help strengthen peace and security conversations across the region.
Volunteer
Become part of the WAPSeD community.