Women’s involvement in peace processes makes enduring agreements more likely. Given the Sahel’s broad instability since 2020, ECOWAS, as West Africa’s regional bloc, must be prepared to negotiate with juntas in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso as well as the trio’s newly minted security alliance, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). ECOWAS’ negotiation strategy should leverage existing local women’s groups in those countries to shape negotiation agendas and implementation activities. Rather than military intervention or economic sanctions that disproportionately affect civilians, ECOWAS should view women-informed peace processes as the evidence-based, inclusive, and sustainable alternative.
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