Strengthening Regional Security in Central Africa: Can ECCAS Rise to the Challenge?

Date: July 2, 2026
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 PM (WAT)
Venue: Zoom Online (Register now)

Background and Rationale

Central Africa continues to face complex and interlinked security challenges, including armed conflict, violent extremism, cross-border insurgencies, maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea, unconstitutional changes of government, and the proliferation of illicit trafficking networks. These threats transcend national borders and increasingly require coordinated regional responses.

The Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) was established to promote peace, security, and stability across the region. Through instruments such as the Council for Peace and Security in Central Africa (COPAX), ECCAS has articulated an ambitious mandate covering conflict prevention, crisis management, peacekeeping, and post-conflict reconstruction. Yet, persistent insecurity in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Lake Chad Basin, and border regions has raised critical questions about ECCAS’ effectiveness, capacity, political authority, and operational readiness.

This webinar seeks to critically examine whether ECCAS is adequately equipped—politically, institutionally, and financially—to respond to the region’s evolving security landscape. It will also explore reform options and complementary approaches involving member states, civil society, and international partners.

Objectives of the Webinar

The webinar aims to:

• Assess the current security challenges confronting Central Africa and their regional dimensions.
• Examine ECCAS’ institutional mandate, governance structures, and operational tools for peace and security.
• Identify political, financial, and coordination constraints limiting ECCAS’ effectiveness.
• Explore opportunities for reform, strengthening, and strategic partnerships.
• Generate policy-relevant insights to inform regional security cooperation in Central Africa.

Target Audience

• Policymakers and government officials from Central Africa
• Regional and continental institutions
• Think tank researchers and analysts
• Civil society and peacebuilding organizations
• Development partners and donors
• Academics, students, and security practitioners

Expected Outcomes

By the end of the webinar, participants are expected to:

• Gain a clearer understanding of ECCAS’ strengths and limitations in addressing regional security challenges.
• Identify reform priorities and partnership opportunities for strengthening regional security governance.
• Enhance dialogue between policymakers, researchers, and civil society actors.
• Generate policy-relevant insights to inform Nkafu’s peace and security programming and advocacy.

About the Nkafu Policy Institute

The Nkafu Policy Institute of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation is a leading independent African policy research institution with vision to accelerate Africa’s Economic Transformation. It drives Africa’s prosperity through evidence-informed policymaking, enabling all citizens to thrive in free, fair, democratic, and flourishing economies. Through rigorous analysis, high-impact publications, and inclusive dialogue, Nkafu promotes practical reforms that strengthen governance and enhance Africa’s development trajectory.