Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) wrapped up regional consultations in Senegal to help the country develop its National Youth Action Plan for peace and security, ending the meetings in Kédougou on September 27, 2025. The Economic Community of West African States Commission worked with partners to hold sessions in Matam, Tambacounda, and Kédougou to advance the Youth, Peace and Security agenda.
Regional governors pledged support for the process, with Tambacounda Governor Guedj Diouf noting that young people in border communities face cross-border risks but can also help find solutions. Kédougou Governor Miriama Traoré stressed the need to keep teaching young people about participatory governance and giving them more power in decision-making.
West Africa’s youth face huge challenges that push many toward violence or dangerous migration routes. High unemployment and few economic opportunities drive irregular migration, while poor access to education and job training leaves young people without skills. Cross-border insecurity, early marriages, limited reproductive health services, and cultural barriers that block youth participation make things worse.
The consultations identified pressing problems including limited political inclusion, economic exclusion due to bad infrastructure, and weak connections to agricultural value chains. Young people in Kédougou expressed frustration over limited job opportunities despite mining industries operating in their region. Environmental damage and land conflicts hurt both farming and artisanal mining. Armed groups also try to recruit vulnerable youth who see few other options.
The Association pour la Promotion du Leadership des Jeunes Femmes et Filles ran breakout sessions with help from Babacar Sall from the Ministry of Youth Development. Participants included youth representatives, organizations, students, people with disabilities, and community service workers. The meetings also taught young people about startup potential to support their business ideas and innovations.
Only eight African countries have finished and adopted their Youth, Peace and Security National Action Plans so far: Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Malawi, The Gambia, Liberia, Cameroon, and South Sudan. ECOWAS plans to help Sierra Leone, Ghana, and Togo with their YPS processes next, with support from the African Peace and Security Architecture through the ECOWAS Peace Fund and technical backing from the West African Network for Peacebuilding.
