From 23 to 25 June, the United Nations Office to the African Union participated in a regional workshop for ECOWAS parliamentarians on Security Sector Reform and Governance (SSRG) in Dakar, Senegal. The workshop was jointly organized by the African Union and ECOWAS, with support from GIZ and the European Union, under the theme "Strengthening Parliamentary Oversight of Security Sector Reform in West Africa."
The workshop brought together parliamentarians from across West Africa to strengthen their oversight role in nationally led security sector reform processes. Discussions focused on the African Union Policy Framework on Security Sector Reform, the AU Operational Guidance Note on Oversight and Accountability, parliamentary oversight, legislative and budgetary accountability, and regional security challenges.
Participants also examined emerging threats, including terrorism, organized crime and maritime insecurity, while highlighting the importance of human rights, gender equality and civil society engagement in security sector governance.
The workshop concluded with the development of a draft roadmap for parliamentary engagement in security sector reform, including recommendations to strengthen regional coordination, build institutional capacity, promote peer learning and enhance AU and ECOWAS support for parliamentary oversight.
