High-level Regional Methodological Workshop on Electoral Security in Africa

From 24 to 25 June 2019, the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa (UNREC) hosted a high-level regional methodological workshop on electoral security in Africa at its premises in Lomé, Togo. The two-day activity was organized in cooperation with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). It brought together Top officials from the security and defense forces of nine countries (Benin, Burundi, Cameroon, Gabon, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Conakry, Ivory Coast, Madagascar, Togo), as well as representatives of United Nations agencies.

The opening ceremony of the event was attended by representatives of the organizing entities, as well as honorary guests Mr. Damien Mama, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System in Togo, and Police Commissioner Messan Dedji of the Togolese Ministry of Security. Diplomats from Egypt and Niger, as well as representatives of the European Union, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Hans Seidel Foundation, the University of Lomé, United Nations Development Programme and other United Nations Country Team and Agencies also attended the ceremony.

High-level Regional Methodological Workshop on Electoral Security in Africa

The workshop reflected upon control and electoral security in a rule of law context from a human security perspective. During two days of work, the participants reviewed current dynamics regarding electoral security in their respective countries. In an open and dynamic setting they identified different factors that influence the maintenance of order and security during electoral periods and identified challenges that were later categorized into different issue areas. Several opportunities for capacity building of defense and security forces were derived from these reflections.

This workshop formed part of the launching of the project “Support for Security Sector Reform in Law Enforcement during Elections in a Rule of Law Context” and included the participation of senior staff of the security apparatus of French and Portuguese speaking African countries. It was the first of a series and will be followed by a second which will be dedicated to English-speaking African countries.

The workshop formed part of the launching of the project “Support for Security Sector Reform in Law Enforcement during Elections in a Rule of Law Context”

Access the following link for more pictures of the event: https://www.flickr.com/photos/unrec/albums/72157709272198986