The Sahel and West Africa region has become an epicentre of armed violence, with violent extremism and illicit proliferation of conventional weapons and ammunition being key drivers of this change. But extremist violence and demand for weapons share underlying causes. While responses often remain fragmented and securitized, acting upon the links between these common root causes and illicit weapons supply can help prevent armed violence more sustainably.
Responding to these issues, this webinar will serve to launch a new regional study that provides practical steps to operationalize a joined-up approach for preventing violent extremism and managing weapons and ammunition. Produced by UNIDIR, the UN Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa (UNREC) and the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), “Integrating the Prevention of Violent Extremism and Illicit Weapons Proliferation in West Africa: A Way Forward” was produced in line with the recommendations of a jointly organized seminar in West Africa in 2023.
This webinar will present the study’s findings and practical steps before opening into a discussion on operational implications, policy relevance and implementation opportunities at the national, regional and global levels.
The event also aims to inform preparations for the 9th review of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and the 9th Biennial Meeting of States of the Programme of Action on Small Arms, as well as responding to the UN Pact for the Future’s call for a more preventative approach in this area.
Agenda
Opening remarks
- Ms Dagmar Schmidt Tartagli, Deputy Head of Peace and Human Rights Division, FDFA
Presentation of study findings
- Mr Nakmak Douti, Expert consultant, UNIDIR/UNREC, Togo
Snapshot on the study’s key practical implementation steps
- Mr Mohamed Coulibaly, Researcher, UNIDIR
Discussants
- Ms Jocelyne Nahimana, Head of Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration/Security Sector Reform Division, African Union Commission
- Ms Diane Sheinberg, Senior Political Affairs Officer, Regional Disarmament, Information and Outreach Branch, UN Office for Disarmament Affairs
- National representative from West Africa
Q&A and contributions by participants
Closing remarks
- Mr Jiaming Miao, Deputy Director of UNREC
Moderated by Dr Paul Holtom, Head of Conventional Arms and Ammunition Programme, UNIDIR.
When and where
Thursday, 12 February 2026 | 15:00 – 16:30 CET | Online
Check your local time here.
Participants
The event is open to any interested participants. Prevention of violent extremism and arms control experts from Africa and other regions, as well as counter-terrorism and disarmament delegates in New York and Geneva, are strongly encouraged to take part.
Language
This event will be held in English and French, with interpretation.
RSVP
Registration is required for participation. Kindly register here. Access to the event will be shared with registered participants prior to the event.
Further information
For any questions, please contact: ursign.hofmann@un.org.
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