ABOUT US

The Centre for Alternative Politics & Security, West Africa (CAPS-WA) addresses the region's complex security challenges in the 21st century. Traditional military-focused strategies often ignore the socio-political, economic, and cultural factors driving insecurity. This oversight has perpetuated cycles of violence, poverty, and marginalisation. We aim to promote a holistic and sustainable approach to security that reflects West Africa's unique realities.

Redefining Security

We believe security extends beyond conflict absence and border protection; it includes individual and community well-being. CAPS-WA aims to redefine security to embrace economic stability, social cohesion, environmental sustainability, and human dignity, essential for a secure and prosperous West Africa. Recognizing security as inherently political, CAPS-WA addresses political enablers of insecurity—corruption, poor governance, and exclusion. By connecting security with political and social dynamics, we advocate for a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of insecurity instead of just its symptoms.

Working for Sustainable Security

CAPS-WA is not just another think tank or research institute, we are a movement towards a new way of thinking about and practising security in West Africa. Through research, advocacy, training, and advisory services, we aim to inspire a shift in the region’s security paradigm—one that prioritises the well-being of all people and recognises the importance of inclusive, participatory, and sustainable solutions. We call on stakeholders from across the region and beyond to join in this endeavour, recognising that achieving lasting peace and security in West Africa is a shared responsibility that requires collective action and a commitment to exploring better ways of being secure.

Our Vision and Mission

CAPS-WA’s vision is a secure and sustainable West Africa where individuals, communities, and states coexist and flourish in an environment of peace, understanding, and mutual respect.

To achieve this vision, CAPS-WA’s mission is to promote alternative and sustainable ways of being and feeling secure through multi-faceted programs that include research, training, advocacy, and advisory services. Through these activities, CAPS-WA aspires to be a catalyst in transforming West Africa into a region where security is comprehensive, inclusive, and sustainable, laying the foundation for long-term peace and prosperity. 

The centre is committed to aligning its efforts with relevant national, continental, and global legal frameworks and development agendas, including the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

We:

  1. Promote Alternative Security Approaches: We aim to broaden traditional security notions in West Africa by advocating for a holistic understanding that includes social, economic, cultural, and political dimensions.

  2. Empower Communities and Individuals: Our mission prioritizes people-centered security, empowering local communities, especially youth, women, and marginalized groups, to tackle security challenges.

  3. Influence Policy and Practice: We aim to influence security policy at national, regional, and international levels by engaging with relevant policymakers and stakeholders to shape policies that tackle immediate threats and the root causes of insecurity.

  4. Foster Collaboration and Partnerships: We are dedicated to enhancing relationships with governments, regional organizations, international bodies, civil society, and academia to promote sustainable security in the region.

  5. Advance Research and Knowledge: Our agenda focuses on understanding insecurity causes, leveraging indigenous knowledge, and developing new theories for sustainable security in West Africa.

CAPS-WA is built on three main pillars: Indigeneity, the science of politics, and human security. These pillars inform our strategy to tackle West Africa’s complex security challenges.

PILLAR 1: INDIGENEITY

We recognise that Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and systems are vital to building lasting peace and security in West Africa. By drawing on these lived practices, CAPS-WA works to empower local communities, ensuring their voices and wisdom shape governance, decision-making, and conflict resolution. This pillar has three key principles:

  1. Cultural Wisdom: We value and elevate the traditional practices, beliefs, and norms that communities have used for centuries to manage disputes and sustain harmony. These Indigenous resources are not outdated but remain powerful tools for navigating today’s security challenges.
  2. Community Agency: We affirm that local actors should not only be consulted but fully engaged as leaders in peacebuilding and governance. CAPS-WA promotes the active involvement of Indigenous groups in shaping policies and decisions that affect their lives.
  3. Blending Traditions with Modern Approaches: While recognising the importance of contemporary frameworks, we advocate for integrating Indigenous systems with modern governance and conflict resolution practices. This ensures solutions are both contextually relevant and globally informed.

PILLAR 2: SCIENCE OF POLITICS

We approach security through a non-partisan lens, recognising that insecurity in West Africa often stems from how power is organised, contested, and distributed. This pillar does not imply involvement in politics; rather, it reflects our commitment to understanding and analysing political dynamics in order to propose fair, inclusive, and evidence-based solutions. Our focus is on how governance structures, representation, and competing interests shape the region’s security environment. This pillar has three key principles:

  1. Power Dynamics: CAPS-WA studies how authority is distributed among states, communities, and institutions. We highlight how imbalances can generate insecurity and advocate for approaches that promote equity and stability without aligning with any political party or agenda.
  2. Competing Interests: Security is shaped by diverse groups pursuing different goals. We examine these interests objectively, recognising both their potential to fuel conflict and their opportunities for dialogue and compromise.
  3. Conflict Resolution: By applying the science of politics, we analyse the political roots of disputes and support approaches that resolve them in just and sustainable ways. Our work goes beyond managing symptoms of conflict to address their structural causes, always from a neutral and non-partisan standpoint.

PILLAR 3: HUMAN SECURITY
We prioritize human security over traditional state preservation while acknowledging that both reinforce each other. This broader understanding of security protects individuals and communities from various threats to their well-being, encompassing physical safety and economic, social, environmental, and cultural dimensions. This pillar also has three principles:

    1. Protection of Individuals and Communities:We prioritize the security and dignity of individuals and communities. We address threats to human security, such as violence, poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation. We aim to ensure that everyone lives with dignity and free from fear.
    2. Beyond Political and Military Threats: Traditional security focuses on political and military threats like terrorism, conflict, and security borders. We value these concerns and sometimes consider them necessary. However, we also recognize that insecurity often stems from non-military factors. CAPS-WA adopts a holistic approach, tackling the full range of human security threats.
    3. Empowerment and Development: Human security is tied to development. CAPS-WA empowers individuals and communities by enhancing access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, which foster well-being. The centre asserts that development is crucial for long-term security, and improving security must align with promoting human development.

Characteristics of the CAPS-WA Approach
The CAPS–WA APPROACH has four characteristics that distinguish it from more conventional strategies:

  1. Past-/Future-Oriented: CAPS-WA’s work is rooted in West Africa’s historical insecurity context and anticipates future challenges. We leverage past experiences and adapt to changing circumstances.
  2. People and Community-Focused: We are dedicated to West African communities, prioritizing local perspectives to address security needs. We believe security solutions must reflect the realities of those they aim to protect.
  3. Addressing Latent Insecurity: CAPS-WA targets hidden insecurities, including structural and cultural violence—systemic inequality, discrimination, and social exclusion. We seek to prevent the emergence or escalation of insecurity by tackling these root causes.
  4. Targeting Negative Political Legitimacy and Negative Peace: CAPS-WA focuses on negative political legitimacy, where power lacks genuine consent and negative peace, where conflict absence does not mean justice. We aim to foster positive political legitimacy and peace, ensuring responsible power use, equity, and development.

Our Partners

For a resilient, more secure West Africa

We’re reimagining security in West Africa—one that includes everyone. Join us in building a secure and prosperous future for the region. Whether you want to partner with us, contribute to our research, or support community empowerment, your involvement makes a real difference.

 
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