We must promote peace education, dialogue to ensure long-term peace in West Africa – Dr. Aderemi Ajibewa
Former Director of Political Affairs at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Dr. Aderemi Ajibewa has proposed that peace, education and dialogue must be promoted to ensure lasting peace in West Africa.
Dr. Aderemi Ajibewa made the call on Wednesday, December 11, when he delivered the keynote address at the 2024 Merian Institute for Advanced Studies in Africa (MIASA) Policy Conference held at the University of Ghana at the Institute of Statistical Social and Economic Research (ISSER) Conference Hall.
The two-day conference organised by the German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA), Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), and the Legon Centre for International Affairs and Diplomacy (LECIAD) was on the theme ‘Dealing with conflict, preparing for sustainable peace; Current research and its policy implications’.
West Africa continues to face a complex web of conflicts, from insurgencies and political crises to ethnic tensions and economic disparities.
As West Africa navigates its path toward stability, Dr. Aderemi Ajibewa believes that investing in education and dialogue remains pivotal in building societies where peace and progress go hand in hand.
In his keynote address at the MIASA Policy Conference, he said combining education with structured dialogue creates a robust framework for peace that will not only address immediate conflicts but also lay the groundwork for long-term harmony.
He argued that such initiatives' success requires collaboration among governments, communities, and international partners.
He also proposes that the development of Conflict-Resolution Policies will help manage conflicts before they escalate.
“The path to peace is challenging but essential. As we confront the conflicts and navigate the implications of recent withdrawals, our commitment to peacebuilding and development must remain unwavering. ECOWAS has a critical role to play, but success depends on the collective efforts of all member states and international partners,” Dr. Aderemi Ajibewa said in his keynote address.
He further called on all member states to renew their commitment to democratic governance, invest in socio-economic development, and collaborate to address regional challenges.
He also urged international partners to continue their support and engagement, as our combined efforts are more effective when united.
“In conclusion, dealing with conflict and preparing for peace requires a unified and strategic approach. By addressing immediate crises and investing in long-term solutions, we can build a West Africa where stability and prosperity are not just aspirations but realities. Together, let us forge a future of lasting peace and shared success,” Dr. Aderemi Ajibewa added.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the Conference after a presentation on communal violence, Dr. Jana Krause, a professor at the University of Oslo in Norway, highlighted the rising incidence of communal conflicts in Africa.
She pointed out that peacebuilding efforts should focus not only on resolving immediate issues but also on changing attitudes and behaviours within local communities.
Dr. Krause emphasised the importance of including women in peace processes, noting their critical role in preventing violence and strengthening social resilience.
“What community members think of each other matters deeply for sustainable peacebuilding,” she stated.
MIASA Director, Ghana, Prof. Grace Diabah, reinforced the need for action-oriented solutions, noting that dialogue must lead to tangible outcomes.
“All stakeholders must ensure that our actions promote sustainable peace,” she emphasised.
Reflecting on post-election violence in Ghana, she called for transparent electoral processes and citizen engagement to resolve disputes peacefully.
The conference served as a rallying call for a unified approach to peacebuilding, with speakers urging collective efforts to address both immediate conflicts and the structural challenges underlying instability.
The MIASA Policy Conference is just one of many conferences and programmes held annually as part of its dedication to the topic of Sustainable Governance.