The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has recently highlighted the critical need for enhanced cross-border collaboration among its member states to promote peace, security, and sustainable development in West Africa. This emphasis was particularly evident during the 2024 Abidjan Border Forum, which commenced on October 23, 2024. The forum was marked by a vibrant ceremony that showcased Africa’s unity and cultural diversity, featuring an array of distinguished dignitaries from across the continent. The key focus was on fostering discussions centered around border governance, environmental collaboration, and regional security. ECOWAS framed contiguous borders not merely as lines of division but as significant opportunities for cooperation and integration, embodying its vision of building resilient communities that can thrive within a peaceful and stable regional framework.
Mr. Diakalidia Konaté, the Commissioner General of the Abidjan Border Forum, initiated the event by acknowledging all participants, partners, and stakeholders. He reiterated that the mission of the forum is to establish multi-level border governance, thereby tackling the intertwined issues of climate risks, security challenges, and socio-economic development. The partnership with international stakeholders such as Germany exemplified the focus on regional cooperation; Matthias Veltin, the German Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, articulated Germany’s steadfast support for the stability of borders and regional integration. He drew from Germany’s own experiences in cross-border collaboration, underscoring the significance of the Integrated Border Stability Mechanism (IBSM) that was previously launched in Abidjan as a tool for advancing security and peace initiatives within the region.
The need for improved cross-border governance was further emphasized by Mme Massandjé Toure-Litse, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture. She made a compelling case for transforming borders into gateways instead of barriers to peace, security, and climate resilience, marking a fundamental shift in perception that aligns with the broader goals set forth by ECOWAS. In addition, she announced a financial contribution of sixty million CFA francs towards the forum’s efforts, reinforcing ECOWAS’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at promoting collaboration across borders. Her assertion that “borders should not divide us but rather unite us” resonated throughout the event, providing a powerful vision for the future of border management in the region.
Representing the Ivorian government, General Vagondo Diomandé, Minister of Interior and Security, spoke to the strategic significance of borders in the context of national security and regional integration. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering stability at the borders, reinforcing the synergy between national interests and the overarching goals of the forum. Diomandé emphasized the shared responsibility that comes with managing borders effectively, which is critical not only for national security but also for the economic development of nations. The dedication to border stability has implications that extend beyond national boundaries, fortifying the relationships among ECOWAS member states in ways that can lead to collective growth and security.
Following the ceremony, participants engaged in several high-level panels and exhibitions aimed at showcasing innovative solutions to address the multifaceted challenges of regional cooperation and sustainable development. These discussions spotlighted practical approaches to enhancing border governance while tackling issues such as climate change, trade facilitation, and the mobility of people. Fostering a holistic understanding among member states regarding the interdependencies that exist at borders emerged as a key takeaway from the forum, emphasizing that the impact of well-governed borders extends into numerous aspects of everyday life, from economic opportunities to social cohesion.
In conclusion, the 2024 Abidjan Border Forum, organized under the auspices of ECOWAS, reflects a concerted effort to re-envision the narrative surrounding borders in West Africa. Instead of viewing them as merely territorial divides, there is a call to embrace borders as potential points of integration and collaboration, thereby aligning more closely with the sustainable development goals for the region. The collaborative spirit fostered during the forum holds promise for enhancing peace and security, ultimately leading to the creation of resilient communities poised for growth and prosperity. By integrating discussions that merge environmental concerns with socio-economic development, the forum sets the groundwork for a brighter future that can benefit all member states and their populations.
