FBA in Africa

A large number of the world’s conflicts is in Africa. It is also the continent where the majority of UN’s peace operations are deployed. Within the framework of Sweden’s regional development cooperation, FBA is commissioned to support peace and security in Africa.

Contemporary conflicts commonly involve many different armed groups, both state and non-state actors, and tend to spill over borders. Civilian populations are often victims of violence. In order to solve today’s complex, cross-border conflicts and build sustainable peace, regional cooperation is needed.

FBA supports regional actors Africa regional actors in their efforts for peace and security, mainly the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

FBA's work in Africa is focused on two areas:

Women, peace and security
Women have traditionally played a marginalized role in peace processes in the region. ECOWAS aims at increasing the participation of women in their work, and at better recognizing and meeting the different security needs of women, men, boys and girls. FBA supports ECOWAS’ gender mainstreaming efforts, for example through training and expert advice.

Dialogue and peace mediation
FBA offers expert advice on dialogue and peace mediation to the AU, in order to strengthen the organization’s role as a key mediator in African conflicts. FBA also offers dialogue and mediation training for ECOWAS and key actors within the ECOWAS member states, in order to enhance their capacity to prevent electoral violence. Violence in connection with elections is a widespread problem in West Africa.

Click here to read the entire strategy for Sweden’s regional development cooperation with Africa 2022–2026.

Strengthening Africa’s regional forces for peace

Electoral violence a threat to peace and democratic development

West African standby forces trained in detecting conflict-related sexual violence

Factsheet about FBA’s work in Africa (English)

Factsheet about FBA’s work in Africa (French)

Photo: UN Photo/Catianne Tijerina

Navigating Risks and Threats: Frontline Monitors Equipped for Hostile Environments

Amidst the perils of explosive devices, hostilities, and distressing civilian accounts, frontline monitors play a pivotal role in documenting human rights abuses within conflict zones. However, these monitors themselves confront significant stress and danger, requiring adept navigation of challenging circumstances to safeguard their own well-being as well as the safety of the vulnerable populations they serve. How can they adequately prepare?

2023-08-16 15:14

On international deployment

Teresa Wiklund

Monitor at EUMM in Georgia

Kajsa Norman

Election observer

Catalina Perdomo Rodriguez

Adviser to the UN in Colombia

Karolina Riedel

Statistician in election observation missions

Björn Tedeman

Election observer

Read our publications

FBA Paper - SSR, Elections and Gender Equality in Post-Conflict Environments

This paper discusses the interlinkages between Security Sector Reform (SSR), elections, and gender equality. It uses FBA’s work in Somalia to show how gender-sensitive election security can serve as an entry point for working with inclusive SSR in an environment characterized by instability, conflict, and political unrest.

Documents

FBA Paper - Security Sector Reform, Elections, and Gender Equality in Post-Conflict Environments

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FBA in Africa

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