West Africa has taken a decisive step toward lasting peace and stability with the signing of a groundbreaking three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Entente Council and the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) in Abidjan-Cocody on September 29, 2026.
The agreement marks a critical turning point in regional cooperation, pooling the strengths of both institutions to address persistent security, political, humanitarian, and institutional challenges across West Africa and the Sahel. This landmark partnership aims to revitalize dialogue platforms, strengthen crisis prevention mechanisms, and empower communities most affected by instability.
The three pillars of a unified peace strategy
The new partnership is built on three strategic priorities designed to redefine how peace is fostered in the region:
1. Preventive diplomacy and sustained political dialogue
The first pillar focuses on preventive diplomacy, mediation, and political engagement, enabling both organizations to coordinate strategic consultations, deploy good offices initiatives, and facilitate high-level dialogue. By establishing a shared framework for early warning and conflict prevention, this collaboration seeks to de-escalate tensions before they erupt into violence.
The partnership also emphasizes inclusive dialogue, ensuring that all stakeholders—from governments to civil society—remain engaged in shaping sustainable solutions.
2. Building resilient border communities
The second axis targets peacebuilding and resilience in border zones, where instability often festers. The Entente Council and UNOWAS will prioritize:
- Conflict prevention through community-based early warning systems
- Social cohesion initiatives that bring together diverse ethnic and religious groups
- Targeted programs to empower women and youth as catalysts for peace
By focusing on grassroots resilience, this strategy aims to reduce the appeal of violent extremism and foster long-term stability in vulnerable regions.
3. Strengthening institutional capacity
The third pillar is dedicated to institutional strengthening and strategic analysis. Through joint research, shared intelligence, and capacity-building programs, the Entente Council and UNOWAS will enhance their ability to respond to emerging threats. This includes:
- Developing joint analytical reports on regional security trends
- Training diplomats and local officials in mediation and crisis management
- Creating a framework for regular high-level consultations
This collaborative approach ensures that both institutions operate with greater efficiency and foresight.
A new era for regional diplomacy
The MoU also solidifies the Entente Council’s role as a key regional dialogue and facilitation platform. With its unique composition—bringing together Sahelian and coastal states—the council is positioned to bridge divides, mediate disputes, and foster unity among member states and regional bodies.
As Leonardo Simão, the UN Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel, noted during the signing ceremony: “Peace is not a final state; it requires constant effort. We must nurture peace where it exists and restore it where it has been lost.”
Simão also highlighted the Entente Council’s historic legacy—founded in 1959—calling it a cornerstone of African regional cooperation. “This council has demonstrated that dialogue and collaboration among diverse states can pave the way for lasting peace,” he said.
What’s next for implementation?
To ensure the MoU translates into tangible results, the Entente Council and UNOWAS will:
- Develop annual joint work plans with clear milestones
- Designate dedicated focal points for streamlined coordination
- Conduct regular joint reviews to assess progress and adjust strategies
- Deploy joint missions for on-the-ground assessments, dialogue facilitation, and crisis response
This structured approach guarantees accountability and measurable impact over the next three years.
Voices of optimism: Leaders welcome the partnership
Idi Ali, the Entente Council’s Interim Executive Secretary, emphasized the organization’s renewed relevance in today’s security landscape: “The Entente Council is now a privileged forum for consolidating peace in West Africa. Our inclusive approach, uniting Sahelian and coastal states, offers a unique platform for regional cooperation.”
He added that the MoU with UNOWAS would not only deepen institutional ties but also amplify the council’s role in shaping a peaceful future for the subregion.
