The US government has stated its intention to collaborate with five coastal West African countries (Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, and Togo), in a 10-year strategic framework aimed at preventing conflict and promoting stability.
Initially, Congress set aside and authorised $100 million to fund this global project, however, its distribution is still being determined.
This strategy enables the US to collaborate with governments and civil society on an integrated regional approach to avert conflict, improve resilience and stability, and drive economic development in response to common challenges identified in each of the five nations.
In a brief media engagement, the US assistant secretary of state on the bureau of conflict and stabilisation operations, Anne A Witkowsky said as part of her visit to ensure an effective rollout of this strategy, her outfit will work through open dialogues.
“The United States recognises the need to learn from our Ghanaian partners, so listening is the most important part of this visit. I have learned a lot through open dialogue and consultations at all levels of Ghana’s society. This strategy can only succeed if it is built upon a foundation respectfully informed by those most directly impacted,” Witkowsky said.
Whilst commending the government of Ghana for its ongoing contributions at devising conflict prevention mechanisms, she said: “Ghana is a demonstrated leader in the advancement of peacebuilding and conflict prevention initiatives across the coastal region. Ghana’s ongoing contributions to national and regional resources for early warning, early response, and conflict prevention mechanisms cannot be overstated. They are critical to fostering security and prosperity, and we are eager to help bolster and grow these initiatives.”
Witkowsky, who expressed optimism indicated that the threats affecting the region’s long-term security could be easily addressed through cooperation, collaboration, and innovation.
Listen to the the U.S assistant secretary of state on the bureau of conflict and stabilization operations, Anne A. Witkowsky in the attached audio below:
Background
Ghana, which is known around the world as a haven of peace and security, is becoming increasingly concerned as a result of recent terrorist strikes in neighbouring countries and persisting political and ethnic issues at home.
The Sahel has become a global epicenter for violent extremism, according to the 2022 Global Terrorism Index from Australia’s Institute for Economics and Peace, with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger accounting for three of the ten nations with the highest rises in terrorism-related deaths in 2021.
The threat is escalating, as evidenced by recent attacks in neighboring Togo and Côte d’Ivoire, prompting Ghanaian officials to issue a warning.
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