WEST AFRICA AS AN ARENA OF GEOPOLITICAL CONFLICTS
On June 13th, 2023, Project Lighthouse Africa co-hosted the Common Effort Conference 2023 in Berlin under the theme “West Africa as an Arena of Geopolitical Conflicts.” This high-level one-day meeting brought together a diverse range of participants, including security experts, policymakers, development organizations, and research institutions. The conference, co-organized with 1 German-Netherlands Corps, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, and the German Africa Foundation, took place at the Auditorium Friedrichstraße in the heart of Berlin.
Addressing Destabilization and Propaganda in West Africa
The conference focused on some of the most pressing security concerns in West Africa, particularly the violent spillover effects from the Sahel region into the Gulf of Guinea states. Participants discussed the destabilization of the region and the role of foreign actors in fueling these conflicts through propaganda narratives. These narratives are increasingly seen as a powerful weapon used to promote instability in the region, especially by actors aiming to undermine Western influence.
Geopolitical Context: Global Power Plays and Their Impact on Africa
Amid global geopolitical shifts, including Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and China’s efforts to reshape the world order, the African continent has become a focal point for foreign policy actors. Some view this as a “second scramble for Africa,” driven by competition over resources and strategic influence. The discussions underscored the comprehensive approach needed to address security and development challenges in the region, with special emphasis on conflict resolution strategies.
Key Themes: Communication, Narrative Management, and the EU’s Role
A major theme of the conference was the role of communication and narratives in the West African context. The importance of narrative management in shaping perceptions and influencing outcomes was highlighted throughout the discussions. This concept is now being actively implemented through local partnerships in Senegal, as part of a community-based countermeasure initiative spearheaded by the Common Effort Community.
The role of the European Union in supporting stability in the region was another key area of focus. The EU’s engagement in West Africa, through both security and development initiatives, was examined as part of the broader effort to foster peace and resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.
Learn More
For those interested in diving deeper into the discussions and outcomes of the conference, the full conference report is available in English, German, and French.
Prefer a visual recap? You can watch the highlights on YouTube: WEST AFRICA AS AN ARENA OF GEOPOLITICAL CONFLICTS | Common Effort Conference June 2023 | Berlin.
Explore more about Project Lighthouse Africa’s work in the region and stay updated on our initiatives aimed at promoting stability and development.
