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

”Peace can no longer be taken for granted - we should all realize that and do more to defend it."

Since 2018, Fredrik Wesslau has been seconded by FBA to the EU advisory mission in Ukraine (EUAM). In the role as Deputy Head of Mission, he is part of leading the organization's daily work and strategic direction.

2022-09-29 14:51

On international deployment

Teresa Wiklund

Monitor at EUMM in Georgia

Kajsa Norman

Election observer

Kristian Edqvist

Training manager in Brussels

Catalina Perdomo Rodriguez

Adviser to the UN in Colombia

Karolina Riedel

Statistician in election observation missions

Björn Tedeman

Election observer

Read our publications

Gender Assessment of the 2021 Electoral Process in Puntland

On October 25, 2021, Puntland became the first federal member state in Somalia to hold democratic elections to district councils. “One person one vote” elections were conducted in three “early districts” of Eyl, Ufeyn and Qardho. In addition to their historic significance, these elections offer an important opportunity to learn lessons, not least when it comes to the promotion of gender equality and the political participation of women.

Documents

Gender Assessment of the 2021 Electoral Process in Puntland

More Publications

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FBA has both increased and adapted its work in Ukraine in the wake of Russia's invasion.

FBA in Africa

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”Peace can no longer be taken for granted - we should all realize that and do more to defend it."

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