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Workshop Report

Regional Harmonisation Workshop for

WACSI/KAIPTC/GTZ Project to Develop Conflict

Prevention Modules for Civilian Actors in West Africa

2nd to 4th June 2008, Accra, Ghana

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Contents

1.0 Introduction 3

1.1 Objectives 3

1.2 Expected Outcomes 3

2.0 Module Presentations and Recommendations 5

2.1 Election Observation 5

2.2 Youth and Development 8

2.3 Women, Peace and Human Security 10

2.4 Children and Armed Conflicts 12

2.5 Democratic Governance 14

2.6 Human Rights and Alternative Dispute Resolution 15

2.7 Post Conflict Reconstruction 16

2.8 Early Warning and Early Response 18

3.0 General Recommendations 19

3.1 Miscellaneous Recommendations 19

3.2 Module Development Recommendations 20

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1.0 Introduction

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) and the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ)

in collaboration with the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Centre (KAIPTC) organised a

three day workshop to harmonise the various conflict prevention modules developed by resource

institutions. The meeting which was held at the KAIPTC, Accra from the 2nd

to the 4th

of May

provided a unique opportunity for resource organisations to constructively critique the modules

developed and provide recommendations. The goal of the workshop was to harmonise conflict

prevention modules developed by resource organisations as part of the WACSI/GTZ/KAIPTC

Project.

1.1 Objectives

The specific objectives of the harmonisation were to:

Peer review modules prepared by participating organisation

Provide additional input and insights

Reach consensus on structure, flow and methodology of the resource pack

Develop Monitoring and Evaluation guidelines for the Resource pack

Agree on timelines for revision of modules

Identify organisations to participate in the Trainer of Trainers (TOT)

1.2 Expected Outcomes

By the end of the meeting, it was expected that deliberations will lead to:

The establishment of a uniform module structure highlighting an agreed conceptual

component, appropriate placing of the sessions and technical specifications.

Agreed completion timelines and modalities for choosing institutions that would participate

in the Trainer of Trainers Workshop in October.

The methodology of the meeting encompassed power point presentations, brainstorming sessions

and discussions. The meeting commenced with representatives from GTZ and KAIPTC

delivering brief opening remarks. Commandant General Attipoe delivered the remarks on behalf

of KAIPTC. Dr. Kwesi Aning, the Head of Conflict Prevention Management and Resolution

Department (CPMRD) of the KAIPTC also highlighted on the issue of domestic and exogenous

sources of conflict. He reiterated that the conceptual framework of the resource pack should take

into consideration external sources of conflict. He emphasised that the nexus between research

and policy development should be identifiable in the resource pack.

Dr Thomas Jaye, the Deputy Head of the CPRMD of the KAIPTC delivered a presentation on

Security Sector Reform. He explained that Security Sector Reform (SSR) processes were

complex and diverse. He emphasised that the implementation of the reform agenda required

diplomacy and tactfulness and that it is a political process that involves diverse actors’ which

have different agendas. He then, highlighted on the context-driven nature of SSR. He went on

further to expatiate on the upsurge of private security companies in the sub region who are

providing critical services for example training and restructuring the army in Liberia.

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He reiterated that authority, attitude and ability should be factored into the training module. This

encompassed legal and constitutional parameters, political will and the knowledge of security

issues, expertise and available resources. He then discussed various components of SSR in

including reform, police reform, intelligence reform, judiciary reform, prison reform, the right-

sizing of security structures and democratic accountability. Lastly, he highlighted on the various

challenges with SSR which encompass:

The lack of political will.

Inadequate expertise and resources.

The need to realise that SSR is a process and not an event.

Security sector reform is still a taboo subject in the sub region.

The lack of community ownership in reform processes.

Mr. Nii Addy spoke on behalf of GTZ. He explained that the workshop offers a unique

opportunity to add real value to the development of a joint training tool, by bringing together

experts from this training centre, which is usually preoccupied with issues of “operational

prevention”, such as peacekeeping, and a broad range of carefully chosen civil society

organisations that are generally focusing more on addressing root causes linked to “structural

prevention” or early warning, development, the rule of law, or human rights.

In addition, he stated that effective conflict prevention requires a combination of the two

approaches together with the full commitment and participation of a variety of actors at local,

national, regional and international levels. He concluded by reiterating that it is through such

collaborative efforts and dialogue that development actors can hope to develop effective

strategies for greater structural stability, good governance and enhanced human security.

The representatives from KAIPTC and GTZ applauded the project for its integrative and broad-

based approach. In addition, they encouraged the resource organisations to make sure that the

resource pack is generic and adaptable to all conflict prevention situations in West Africa and

beyond. The resource organisations then proceeded to present their modules.

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2.0 Module Presentations and Recommendations

2.1 Election Observation

West African Society Forum (WACSOF) is an institutionalised platform of CSOs and networks

across West Africa working on issues related to human rights, peace and security, democracy

and good governance, education, trade and commerce, health, and gender equality amongst

others. It was established in 2003 by Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD),

International Alert (IA) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The

forum provides civil society in the sub region an official corridor of dialogue and engagement

with both national authorities in West Africa and ECOWAS. The overall objective of the forum

is to promote and improve human security, peace, unity and stability in the West African sub

region.

The forum’s specific objectives are to

Pursue and promote continuous dialogue and engagement between CSOs in West Africa,

ECOWAS and national authorities on vital issues that affect the citizenry.

Support the process of political and socio-economic development and integration of the sub

region.

In order to effectively pursue the promotion of democracy and good governance in member

states, WACSOF has so far successfully observed the conduct of the following elections: Ghana

Presidential and Parliamentary elections, December 2004, Togo Presidential elections, April

2005, Guinea Bissau Presidential elections (June and July 2005), Liberia General elections

(October and November 2005), Burkina Faso Presidential elections, November 2005, Cape

Verde Parliamentary and Presidential elections (January and February 2006), the Benin

Presidential elections, March 2006, The Nigerian Bye-elections in Ekiti State in April 2006 and

The Gambian Presidential elections in September 2006. In 2007, elections were observed in

Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Togo.

Election observation is defined as the purposeful gathering of information regarding an electoral

process, and making informed judgments on the conduct of such a process on the basis of the

information collected, by persons who are not inherently authorised to intervene in the process,

and whose involvement in mediation or technical assistance activities should not be such as to

jeopardise their main observation responsibilities (IDEA, 1997).

The overall objectives of the module is to develop participants’ capacity in election observation

by

Providing participants with a conceptual framework of election observation.

Raising awareness of participants on key concepts related to elections and election

observation

Examining the importance of election observation as a conflict prevention mechanism

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Highlighting case studies on the use of election observation as a conflict prevention

mechanism highlighting the roles of ECOWAS and CSOs in Election Observation.

Providing participants with practical skills on how to observe elections effectively.

The target audience of the module is regional civilian actors. The content of module

encompasses:

1. Conceptual framework of Elections and Election Observation

2. Mandate for Election Observation in West Africa

3. Electoral processes in Africa

4. Guidelines for Election Observation

5. Principles of Election Observation

6. Approaches to Election Observation

The Conceptual framework will highlight on the definition and importance of elections. In

addition, the definition and importance of election observation and terminologies like

observation-mediation, technical assistance, supervision and monitoring will be expatiated on.

The objectives of observation will also be clearly stated.

The session on the mandate of the observation will highlight on the following protocols and

conventions:

ECOWAS Protocol Universal Declaration of Human Rights(1948)

Int. Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1960)

Harare Commonwealth Declaration(1991)

The Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping and

Security(1999)

ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Governance(2001)

ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework(2008)

The third session which highlights electoral processes will include:

The definition and importance of Election Management Bodies

The different types of Electoral Management Models (Independent, Governmental, Mixed)

The definition, types and importance of Electoral Systems

The next session will expatiate on the guidelines to observation. This session will encompass:

What to observe

Legal framework

General electoral environment

Degree of political competitiveness

Integrity of electoral preparations

Integrity of conduct of poll

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How to observe

Use of checklist

Samples of Checklist from ECOWAS, WACSOF etc

Session five will highlight on the principles of election observation. The summary of ethical

principles, respect and recognition of sovereignty, neutrality and non-partisanship, transparency,

accuracy and the ECOWAS Code of Conduct for Observers will be expatiated on

comprehensively.

Various approaches to election observation will be discussed in session six. The ECOWAS

Approach will include an exploratory Mission, observer mission and challenges. The WACSOF

Approach will highlight the pre-assessment Mission, observer mission and challenges. Issues

pertaining to the procedure for observation will also be documented. These issues are:

Advance Team

Familiarisation meeting

Arrival meeting

Consultations

Deployment

Election day observation

Preliminary statement

Final report

A section will also be dedicated to clearly explaining various forms of election language.

Language like free, fair, transparent, credible, irregularity and rigging will be clearly defined.

The methodologies that will be utilised for the training will include:

Mini lectures

Group work

Plenary sessions

Discussions

Brainstorming

Case studies

The expected outcomes of the election observation module are:

Awareness of participants on key concepts related to election observation raised.

Appreciation of election observation as a conflict prevention mechanism increased.

Election observation skills of participants enhanced.

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In conclusion, the module will highlight that election observation is an onerous responsibility. It

is not faultfinding but a fact-finding activity. The module will also explain why its tool for

conflict prevention by encouraging the observer to fully display openness, professionalism and

non-partisanship. The primary beneficiaries of the election observation process will be stated in

clearly and specifically.

Recommendations and Suggestions (Election Observation)

The module should highlight how election observation processes can be used to quell anxiety

and fear among the citizenry.

A clear and distinct link between the citizenry and the election observation process should be

seen in the module.

The module should clearly state that election observation should start from party primaries.

The need for networking and coalition-building among CSOs for election observation should

be documented in the module.

There is also the need to highlight the election cycle in the module.

The module should capture both the good and bad experiences of election observation in the

sub region.

2.2 Youth and Development

Abusua Foundation exists to create opportunities for young people to learn, share and develop

skills necessary for personal and communal wealth. The foundation seeks three key outcomes:

Creation of Opportunities – creating situations where youth can identify and use the natural

gifts they have.

Building Capabilities and Capacities – developing inherent skills through continuous

learning and personal and communal growth.

Giving second chances – giving youth the opportunity to learn from mistakes.

The objectives of the module are to develop participants’ capacity in understanding the current

dynamics of youth-adult engagement by:

Introducing to the concept of youth

Show participants entry points to participating in development

Managing networks and using them as assets than “contacts”

Leading participants identify priorities and develop best practices

The target audience includes youth, youth workers, local government staff and adults working

with youth. The methodologies for training will encompass group work, role plays and mini-

lectures.

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The content of module encompasses:

Session 1: Developing and Maintaining Linkages

The Networking Matrix

Key issues to look out for when developing linkages

Session 2: Youth in Cross Border Conflicts

Misconceptions and Facts about Youth

Session 3: Identifying Youth Priorities and Best Practices

The Problem Tree

Best Practices for Youth Development

Session one will highlight on the youth entry points in the development process. This session

will document participation and inclusion, positive adult-youth engagement, the framework for

engagement, power relations amongst others.

The next session will focus on youth in cross border conflicts. This session will expatiate on the

role youth have played in cross border conflicts, youth motivational factors, the positive

contributions to peace-building and common stereotypes or misconceptions amongst others.

Identifying youth priorities and best practices are highlighted in session three. This session will

document best practice issues including:

Youth development is shaped by the ‘big picture’

Youth development is about young people being connected

Youth development is based on consistent strengths-based approach

Youth development happens through quality relationships

Youth development is triggered when young people fully participate

Youth development needs good information

Recommendations and Suggestions (Youth and Development)

It was recommended that the module should highlight more examples from the sub region in

terms of case studies and experiences. For example national service schemes, youth policies

and other youth initiatives.

The module should also document the disconnect that exists between what potential

employers look for in terms of skills and what the youth are taught in schools.

The module should also clearly define the concept of youth.

Positive and negative attitudinal and behavioral issues that are prominent among youth in

the sub region should also be highlighted on.

The module should identify what the youth really want.

The session on youth in cross border conflicts should be changed to youth in conflicts.

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The module should ingrain youth involvement in community discussions and decision-making

throughout the content of the module.

It was recommended that the module should delineate the life experiences of male and female

youth.

The “escape mentality” that is, the penchant for the youth to travel overseas to seek better

livelihoods should be highlighted.

The impact of national youth policies in the sub region should be documented in the module.

The module should begin with the role of youth in conflict prevention

The module should also contain the profile of youth organisations in the sub region that are

preventing and promoting conflict (good and bad practices should be highlighted).

2.3 Women, Peace and Human Security

Women, Peace and Security Network (WIPSEN) are a Pan-African peace and Security

organisation that seeks to promote women’s strategic participation and leadership in peace and

security governance in Africa. WIPSEN does this by enhancing women’s leadership capacities

and promoting constructive, innovative and collaborative approaches to non-violent

transformation of conflicts, peacebuilding, and human security in Africa.

The overall goal of WIPSEN is to empower women to play more active role in peace and

security processes by providing training and capacity building initiatives for women and linking

policy and practice by creating avenues for women’s peacebuilding to be infused into wider

peace and security policy frameworks.

The overall objectives of the module are:

To provide a conceptual frame work and analysis of women, peace and security.

To examine the concept of human security and its relations to the protection of women.

To raise awareness about and create an in-depth understanding of the various instruments on

women, peace and security.

To provide case studies of women’s contributions to peace and security in the region.

The target beneficiaries of the module are practitioners, community activists, grass roots

mobilisers, policy makers and researchers.

The content of the module encompasses:

Session One: Clarification of Concepts

Session Two: Violence against Women

Session Three: Human Security

Session Four: International Instruments on Women, Peace and Security

Session Five: References

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Session one deals with the Clarification of Concepts which includes the definition of gender,

gender roles, gender roles and human rights, masculinity, masculinity and violence against

women, feminism, types of feminism – African feminism, patriarchy among others.

The second session explores the ways in which women suffer from violence in both private and

public life, in times of war and ‘peace’. The themes that are explored include the definition of

violence, use of sexual violence in armed conflict, elements of armed conflict and possible

gender dimension and structural form of violence against women among others.

Session three highlights the definition of the concept of Human Security, differences between the

two concept of security, advancing human security, gender and human security.

Various forms of instruments and conventions are expatiated on in session five. These

instruments include:

International Instruments - Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995), the UNSC

Resolution 1325 (2000)

Regional instruments - African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of

Women in Africa (2003), the Constitutive Act of the African Union (Article 4), and the

Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa (2004)

Sub – regional – ECOWAS Gender Policy, Conflict Prevention Framework

The reference section will encompass:

Case studies which intend to present lessons learnt as well as the unique practices of different

women’s groups across the region to participants.

Directory of women’s organisation in West Africa – (Org. Name, Contact person, Physical

address, email and website)

The methodologies that would be used are:

Brainstorming

Group Exercise

Role Play and Simulation

Mini Lecture

The expected outcomes of the module are:

Awareness is created about international, regional, sub regional instruments and mechanisms.

Peace and security operations are sensitive to gender – specific indicators.

Capacity of women will be enhanced to actively participate in peace and security processes.

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Recommendations and Suggestions (Women, Peace and Human Security)

It was recommended that national examples related to women and their role in peace and

security from across the sub region should be highlighted.

The module must also include aspects of domestic violence.

The importance of networking among women organisations in the sub region should also be

clearly stated.

The difficulties and challenges with working with men should also be captured.

Strategies for including women in decision-making processes should be documented.

The processes of engendering human security should be clearly explained in the module

The module should seek to link research policy and practice within its content.

2.4 Children and Armed Conflicts

Defence for Children International (DCI) is an independent non-governmental organisation that

has been promoting and protecting children’s rights since its establishment in 1979. DCI is

represented in over 45 countries worldwide through its national sections and associated

members. DCI’s International Secretariat, is located in Geneva and is the focal point of the

movement.DCI and its partners work on child rights issues that are relevant to their national,

regional and international contexts including child labour, street children, violence against

children, child trafficking and juvenile justice.

DCI-Nigeria is a not-for-profit organisation registered in Nigeria since 1996. DCI-Nigeria

envisions a just and responsible society where Nigerian children can exercise their rights and are

cared for by all. DCI-Nigeria is dedicated to ensuring on-going, practical, systematic and

concerted national and international action directed towards promoting and protecting the rights

of the child.

The objective of this module is to improve the capacities of peace building practitioners and

other stakeholders to advocate against the use of children during armed conflicts and facilitate

the protection of their rights and needs. This module will further enhance understanding about

children, their needs and rights, the legal instruments available for their protection and the role of

civil society, public and private sectors in upholding children’s rights.

The target beneficiaries are parents, youth organisations, and media, government agencies,

schools, non governmental organisations, faith based Organisations, and community based

organisations and private sector among others

The content of the module includes:

Definition of a Child

Understanding Children in Conflict

International and Legal Instruments

Existing Research on Children and Armed Conflicts

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Ending Violence Against Children

Children as Agents of Peace Building

Session one highlights on various definitions of a child. The biologically definition of a child,

legal definition of a child and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UN

CRC) defines a child as any person under the age of 18 years unless the age of majority is lower

will be explained.

The second session will explain why Children are vulnerable at all times, but particularly in

situations of armed conflict. It will expatiate on how both boys and girls are affected by conflict,

and why girls are particularly vulnerable to sexual exploitation, family and community violence

and discrimination made worse by conflict.

The next session will document information about international and legal instrument that

facilitate the protection and promotion of child rights including:

United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Nov.1989)

Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of

children in armed conflict (May.2000)

Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (1998)

ILO Minimum Age Convention 138 (Jun. 1973)

ILO Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention 182 (Jun.1999)

The UN Security Council Resolutions-Between 1999-2005 (6 resolutions passed on children

and armed conflict)

The Paris Commitments and Principles (Feb.2007)

African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (Nov. 1999)

Session four will document existing research on children and armed conflict including the Graça

Machel study on the Impact of Armed Conflict on Children (A/51/306 of 26 August 1996) which

was an important step in putting the issue of child rights on the international agenda.

The next session will expatiate on issues pertaining to ending violence against children. The

session will explain that violence against children cuts across nations, race, class, religion and

culture. It will also reiterate that Children are routinely exposed to violence at home, at school

and within the community, sometimes under the guise of discipline and most of it go unreported.

Requirements to end violence against children will also be highlighted.

The final session will highlight on children's rights perspective needs to be integrated into all

peace building activities that may have an impact on children. As with the mainstreaming of

gender equality, children's rights must be integrated into peace building in a way that does not

limit it to a separate child rights component or "pigeon hole" in an intervention.

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The training methodologies encompass:

Baseline Knowledge tests

Individual and Group Exercises

Role Plays

Case studies

Plenary sessions

The expected outcomes of the module are:

Knowledge about armed conflicts and how it affects children enhanced.

Nature of involvement of children in armed conflicts established.

Particular dangers and impact of armed conflicts on children appreciated.

Stakeholder responsibilities and the requirement to deliver appropriate professional

protection and assistance to child victims during armed conflicts understood.

Children’s rights issues that commonly arise in terms of situations girls and boys face during

armed conflict identified.

International, regional and national legal instruments that can be used to protect children

exposed.

Recommendations and Suggestions (Children and Armed Conflicts)

It was recommended that statistics on children’s rights issues from West Africa should be

used to develop the module.

The use of children as agents of peacebuilding should be clearly explained and documented.

There is also the need for the module to argue that the protection of children will enhance

conflict prevention.

Various national child rights instruments that have been adopted in the countries within the

sub region should be highlighted.

The existing research component should be enhanced with more sub regional research

findings.

The resource organisation should access material on child soldiers from the KAIPTC.

There is also the need to highlight how the various national child rights instruments have

worked so far.

2.5 Democratic Governance

The representative from the Centre for Democracy and Development- West Africa (CDD) did

not present the module but the proposed outline. After his presentation recommendations and

suggestions were made by the other participants.

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The proposed outline includes:

About CDD, Vision, Mission, Mandate

Expectations and Workshop Content

Understanding Democratic Governance

Concepts in Democratic Governance

Good Governance and Anti-Corruption

Good Governance and Conflict Prevention

Good Governance and Creating Sustainable Development

Democratic Governance and Proactive Peacebuilding

Recommendations and Suggestions (Democratic Governance)

The session on democratic governance and proactive peacebuilding should be a component

of good governance and conflict prevention.

The module should highlight youth involvement in governance processes

The module should draw the linkage between government policies and practical output.

The perception community citizens have about democracy should be highlighted.

The module should seek to capture the challenges of democratic development.

The module should highlight how we can adopt democracy to the West African context.

The module should expatiate on how CSOs have used various democratic tools to prevent

conflict.

The role of traditional governance should be clearly explained.

Anti-corruption commissions in West Africa and the governance index should be profiled in

the module.

The concept of inclusive government should be documented in the module.

The United Nations convention against corruption should be profiled in the manual.

2.6 Human Rights and Alternative Dispute Resolution

The Justice and Human Rights Institute is a non governmental organisation that enhances the

quality of justice and broadens respect for fundamental human rights, good governance,

democratic values and social responsibilities in Africa.

The objectives of the module are to:

Explain fundamental human rights and freedoms.

Encourage participants to identify human rights provisions in their national constitutions.

Reflect on individual notions of human rights.

Examine the relationship between human rights and attendant responsibilities.

The target beneficiaries are CSOs, mediators, negotiators, and human rights advocates among

others.

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The content of the module includes:

Part 1: Human Rights

Session One: Our Understanding of Human Rights

Session Two: Underlying Principles and Values of Human Rights

Session Three: Human Rights and Responsibilities

Session Four: Human Rights Standards and Mechanisms

Session Five: Human Rights in Conflict

Part 2: ADR

Conflict Resolution Mechanisms

What is ADR?

Arbitration

Negotiation

Conciliation

Mediation

Settlement/Agreement

Recommendations and Suggestions (Human Rights and ADR)

It was recommended that the module should be split into two, that is, a separate module for

ADR.

The need for more regional case studies from francophone and Lusophone countries.

The module should contain localized examples of best practices. For example experiences

from Liberia, Sierra Leone among others.

Tensions between Para-legal institutions and traditional dispute resolutions should be

clearly highlighted.

The challenges of human rights monitoring should be explained.

2.7 Post Conflict Reconstruction

WACSI was established by the Open Society Initiative for West Africa to enhance the capacity

of civil society in the region. The Institute was set up in an attempt to bridge the institutional and

operational gaps identified in civil society. WACSI is committed to the development of CSOs as

strategic partners in the pursuit of democracy, good governance and national development in the

sub-region. The Institute seeks to strengthen the institutional and technical capacity of CSOs to

engage in policy formulation, implementation, and the promotion of democratic values and

principles in West Africa

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The overall objectives of the module are to develop participants’ capacity in post conflict

reconstruction by:

Providing learners with a conceptual framework for understanding post conflict

reconstruction.

Raising awareness in participants on post conflict reconstruction operations.

Examining the role of transitional justice in post conflict reconstruction.

Highlighting case studies and indigenous reconciliation processes in Africa.

Promoting the exchange of ideas and experiences amongst participants through in group

work/exercises.

The target audience for this module includes civilian actors in post conflict reconstruction

constituting;

Non Governmental Organisations

Inter Governmental Organisations

Community Based Organisations

Faith Based Organisations

The content of the module encompasses:

Session One: Conceptual Framework for Peacebuilding

Session Two: Post Conflict Framework Analysis

Session Three: Demobilisation, Disarmament, Reinsertion and Rehabilitation in Post Conflict

Session Four: The Role of Transitional Justice Processes in Post Conflict

Session Five: Special Courts in Africa

Session Six: Truth and Reconciliation Processes in Africa

Session Seven: Indigenous Reconciliation Process in Africa

Recommendations and Suggestions (Post Conflict Reconstruction)

The module should highlight on the work of tribunals.

There is a need for the module to clearly state its target audience.

The module should capture the essence of African traditional mechanisms and how it can

empower post-conflict reconstruction.

The presentation should be in simple and practical language.

The definition of civil society should be a component of the conceptual section.

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2.8 Early Warning and Early Response

West Africa Network for Peacebuilding is headquartered in Accra, was founded in September

1998. It has national networks in Benin, Burkina Faso, and Cote d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana,

Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo; as well as focal points

in Cape Verde, Mali and Niger. WANEP envisions “a West Africa region characterised by just

and peaceful communities where the dignity of the human person is paramount and where the

people can meet their basic human needs and decide their own direction”.

WANEP seeks “to enable and facilitate the development of mechanisms for cooperation among

civil society-based peacebuilding practitioners and organizations in West Africa to respond to

conflicts.

The overall goal of this module is not only to provide participants with a conceptual framework

for understanding early warning and response mechanism, but also to expose them to different

early warning systems, particularly the ECOWAS system, and give them practical suggestions

on how to establish an early warning system at community and national levels.

The specific objectives of the module are:

Expose participants to the various concepts of early warning.

Make participants to understand key reporting formats of an early warning system.

Introduce participants to the ECOWAS early warning system.

Equip participants with the skills on how to establish an early warning system at community

and national levels.

This module is designed for participants who may not have background knowledge in the field of

early warning and response mechanism including:

Faith Based Organisations

Community Based Organisations

Non Governmental Organisations

The methodologies that will be utilised encompass:

Mini-lectures

Brainstorming exercises,

Group work

Plenary

Case studies

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The content of the module encompasses:

Definition of an Early Warning System (EWS)

Indicators of an EWS

Types of Early Warning Report

Information Gathering

Engendering an EWS

Designing an EWS

Response Mechanisms

Role of CSOs in Early Warning and Response

Recommendations and Suggestions (Early warning and Early Response)

The module should highlight how community early warning can be linked to national and

regional early warning systems.

The module should outline the methods of inclusivity in terms data gathering.

The module should highlight the proper sources of data.

The module should explain that qualitative data is subjective. It should outline the types of

qualitative data and how it should be managed.

Fundamentals of early warning should be explained clearly.

The use of strategic roundtables as a community response mechanism should be highlighted

in the module as examples.

The skill of early warning report writing should be highlighted.

3.0 General Recommendations

3.1 Miscellaneous Recommendations

Members of the Advisory Committee should endeavour to get the right personnel from the

training institutions for the trainer of trainers (TOT) workshop. TOT members should have

the requisite training background including basic knowledge of conflict prevention and

development policy issues.

Representatives of United Nations Missions, African Union (AU), and Economic Community

of West African States (ECOWAS) should be invited to the TOT.

Strategies for influencing policy should be highlighted in every last section of every module

as a two-pager.

There is a need to organise a policy workshop to ascertain the impact of the resource pack

after three years.

Components of advocacy and lobbying should be seen in all the modules.

Media Monitoring for Conflict Prevention should be added to the conceptual section of the

resource pack.

It was proposed that the speaker of the ECOWAS parliament should be invited for the TOT

as an observer.

At least two participants per country should be invited for the TOT.

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There is a need to debrief the participants and facilitators individually before the

commencement of the TOT.

It was proposed that resource organisations should nominate institutions they know for

consideration to participate in the TOT.

3.2 Module Development Recommendations

Every module should be self-contained. It should be able to stand on its own. It should be

capable of being used for training. It should inform and provide a platform for policy

influencing.

The key elements of the conceptual framework should run through the entire document.

At the end of each module there should be a fact sheet on steps to influence policy

There should be proper referencing of sources.

Each session within the modules should take between 90 minutes to 120 minutes to deliver.

The deadline for modules yet to be done is July 30

The deadline for modules that need polishing is June 30

The deadline for final harmonisation is August 30

The TOT would be used to test the efficacy of the draft resource pack.

Every module should contain at least two case studies. The case studies should not be drawn

from one country.

Every module should have an acknowledgement page that highlights those who contributed

to its development.