OUR TEAM

We acknowledge our leadership role in West African security, committing to high standards of integrity, accountability, and ethics. This responsibility shapes our relationships with partners, stakeholders, and communities. CAPS-WA is dedicated to transparently managing resources and trust, fulfilling its duty to the people of West Africa.

  • Patron and Board of Advisors Chair

    Professor Emmanuel Kwesi Aning is a Full Professor of African security and international politics. He previously served as the founding Director and Dean of the Faculty of Academic Affairs & Research (FAAR) at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in Ghana from 2007 to 2024. He also holds the position of Clinical Professor of Peacekeeping Practice at Kennesaw State University in Atlanta, Georgia, where he contributes to bridging the gap between academia and practical peacekeeping initiatives. He now serves in an Advisory role.

    Professor Aning’s academic background is as impressive as it is impactful. He earned his Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Copenhagen in 1998, following his BA (Hons) in History from the University of Ghana in 1986. His deep commitment to addressing Africa’s peace and security issues is reflected in a career spanning decades, during which he has made significant contributions both as a scholar and a policy advisor.

    His expertise covers a wide range of security-related fields, making him a leading authority in several areas of critical importance to Africa. He specialises in peacekeeping economies, examining the financial and economic implications of peacekeeping operations. His research also delves into hybrid political orders, exploring how informal governance systems can interact with formal institutions in post-conflict societies. Security sector reform is another key area of focus, with Professor Aning advocating for meaningful reforms of security forces, particularly in unstable political contexts across West Africa. Additionally, he has specialised knowledge of organised crime and terrorism, particularly their impact on governance and political stability in the region.

    Throughout his career, Professor Aning has taken on several notable roles that have cemented his reputation as one of Africa’s foremost security experts. From 2005 to 2007, he served as the African Union’s first expert on counterterrorism, where he played a key role in formulating the continent’s counterterrorism strategy under the Common African Defence and Security Policy (CADSP). During this time, he also led the African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism (ACSRT), headquartered in Addis Ababa. His efforts were instrumental in establishing a cohesive strategy for addressing terrorism across Africa.

    In addition to his work with the African Union, Professor Aning has advised the United Nations numerous times. In 2008, he authored a Secretary-General’s report for the UN Security Council, focusing on the relationship between the UN and regional organizations, with a particular emphasis on the African Union’s role in maintaining peace and security. His contributions have consistently highlighted the need for African-driven solutions to security challenges, emphasising African agency in global security governance.

    He has also contributed to the World Economic Forum’s Council on Conflict Prevention, helping shape global peace and conflict dialogues. In 2006 and 2014, Professor Aning was appointed the independent evaluator for the UN’s Global Programme on Strengthening the Legal Regime Against Terrorism. His evaluations assessed the effectiveness of global counterterrorism measures and provided recommendations for improving international cooperation in this critical area.

    Professor Aning is a prolific writer and researcher, having authored over 150 publications, including books, peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and policy briefs. His research frequently addresses the role of African agency in global security, advocating for African states to take leadership roles in addressing their security challenges. In works such as his co-authored analysis of African-led interventions in Mali, Côte d'Ivoire, and Libya, he has argued for the importance of ownership by African institutions in managing peace and security efforts.

    His critique of external interventions in Africa is a common theme in his research, as he advocates for African-driven solutions that reflect local needs and realities. His work emphasises the importance of understanding the socio-political context of African conflicts and promoting sustainable, long-term peacebuilding solutions that draw on indigenous knowledge and practices.

    Among his most notable publications are Africa in Global International Relations – Emerging Approaches to Theory and Practice," co-authored with Amitav Acharya and Paul-Henri Bischoff, and "African Agency in R2P: Interventions by African Union and ECOWAS in Mali, Côte d’Ivoire, and Libya," which explores the shift towards stronger African agency in managing regional security crises. His co-authored work, "Peacekeeping in a Francophone Space: Experiences of Ghanaian Peacekeepers in Côte d’Ivoire", provides an in-depth analysis of the dynamics of peacekeeping in the region.

    Professor Aning’s influence extends beyond his research. At KAIPTC, he plays a vital role in training military and civilian personnel for peacekeeping operations across Africa. His work ensures that these personnel are equipped with practical skills and a nuanced understanding of the political, economic, and social dimensions of conflict. His role as an educator and mentor has shaped many future leaders in peace and security across the continent.

    His international consultancy and advisory roles have also taken him beyond Africa. In 2021, he served as a senior consultant for an independent evaluation of counterterrorism interventions in the Maldives. In 2022, he was appointed as a UN expert to evaluate the EU’s counterterrorism interventions in Sri Lanka, reflecting the global relevance of his expertise.

    Professor Aning’s contributions to peace and security dialogues at both the regional and global levels have earned him a reputation as one of Africa’s most respected security scholars. His critical stance on traditional security interventions and advocacy for African-driven solutions to conflict and insecurity continue to shape policy and practice across the continent.

    Between 2016 and 2019, he served on the UN Secretary General’s Advisory Group for the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF). In 2021, he was appointed as a senior consultant for the Independent Project Evaluation on Support to the Maldives on Counter-terrorism, and again in 2022 evaluated the European Union’s (EU) Counter-terrorism interventions in Sri Lanka. In 2022, he was appointed to serve on the World Food Programs’ (WFP) Security Advisory Board (SECAB). In 2023, he served as an Evaluation Expert on Terrorism Prevention for the Independent Evaluation Section (IES) of the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and in 2024, evaluated the JOINT UNODC-AU-SADC PROJECT ON FURTHER SUPPORTING SOUTHERN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY (SADC) COUNTRIES TO PREVENT VIOLENT EXTREMISM AND COUNTER EMERGING TERRORISM THREATS THROUGH STRENGTHENED CRIMINAL JUSTICE RESPONSES.

    His research focuses on peacekeeping, hybrid political orders, political violence, criminal networks, extremism and security force assistance. In March 2023, his 2022 article on ‘African experiences and alternativity in International Relations theorizing about security’, in the Journal International Affairs, Vol. 98, No. 1 (with Kwaku Danso) won the International Affairs Centenary Prize by Chatham House, UK.

    As the Patron and Chair of the Board of Advisors for the West Africa Centre for Alternative Politics & Security (CAPS-WA), Professor Aning brings unparalleled expertise, experience, and insight. His leadership will be instrumental in guiding CAPS-WA’s mission to promote alternative and sustainable approaches to security in West Africa, ensuring that African voices and perspectives remain central to the region’s peace and security efforts.

  • Founder & Mentor

    Dr. Muhammad Dan Suleiman founded CAPS-WA in 2024 by consolidating and leveraging over a decade of efforts to promote sustainable security and alternative politics in West Africa and learning from many senior peace and security scholars and practitioners. Muhammad is currently an Assistant Professor of International Relations at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) in Saudi Arabia, after working at the University of Western Australia (2017-2021) and Curtin University (2022-2024) as a lecturer, research officer, and research associate. Muhammad is an adjunct research fellow of the Curtin Centre for Australia-Africa Relations.  

    He holds a PhD in Political Science and International Relations from the University of Western Australia (UWA), a Master of Research from Macquarie University (Sydney), a Master of International Law from the University of Sydney and a BA (Hons) in Political Science and Geography from the University of Ghana.

    His work has been published in leading journals such as Critical Studies on Terrorism, International Studies Quarterly, African Security, African Security Review, and Terrorism and Political Violence. His recent publications include “Journeying to Jihadiphate: A Vehicle Framework of Jihadist Conflicts in West Africa” (2024), “Abstract Spaces for Intervention in Libya and Nigeria” (2024) and “The Jihadists Are Coming! Abyssal Thinking and Spatial Politics of Un/knowing in Ghana’s Terrorism Discourse” (2023). His book, Re/Naming A Jihad (Routledge), is still under development.

    Muhammad is recognized as an expert on Sahel security, having provided analyses and reports for organisations worldwide, including the Horn Center for Democracy (Ethiopia), the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), the Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA), the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Foreign Brief (Australia), TRT World (Turkey), and Newzroom Afrika. He is a regular columnist for several media outlets in Ghana. His most recent expert contribution is writing for the Europa World Year Book’s Africa, South of the Sahara, on the topic of “The Sahel Today: Security, Sovereignty, and Change.”

    Muhammad is a 2020 fellow of the United Nations Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent and an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. His teaching and research excellence have been acknowledged through a number of awards, including the Khalifa Al-Falasi Prize in Muslim Studies (2018) and the UWA Guild Students’ Choice Award for Excellence in Teaching (2020).

    Beyond his academic and professional accomplishments, Muhammad is passionate about mentoring young scholars and supporting individuals with physical and psychological challenges.

    Muhammad is also the Team Lead of CAPS-WA's first flagship initiative, the Africa Network of Critical Security Scholars (www.anecs.net), where he advises the network's Executive Director.

  • Head, Youth and Women Programme

    Grace Akosua Dankwa is a versatile and highly skilled professional. She brings extensive experience in research, analysis, and programme management to her role as Head of the Youth and Gender Programme at the Centre for Alternative Politics & Security, West Africa (CAPS-WA). With a deep passion for bridging the gap between policy and practice, Grace has worked across multiple sectors, focusing on peacebuilding, development, and gender inclusivity.

    Her educational background includes a Master of Arts in Conflict, Peace, and Security from the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, a Master of Science in Defense and International Politics from the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College, and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work with Sociology from the University of Ghana. These academic credentials underpin her commitment to addressing complex socio-political issues, particularly those affecting women and youth in conflict and peace processes.

    Grace has worked with prestigious organisations such as the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office (UNRCO) in Ghana, the Global Network for Women in Peacebuilding (GNWP), and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). In these roles, she has conducted in-depth research on conflict dynamics, contributed to developing policy briefs, and facilitated large-scale peacebuilding programs. Her work in amplifying women's voices in peacebuilding, alongside her expertise in the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) and Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) agendas, has significantly impacted the peacebuilding landscape.

    In her current role at CAPS-WA, Grace leads initiatives to empower young people and women to play an active role in peace and security dialogues. She is committed to fostering inclusive, sustainable solutions to security challenges in West Africa, ensuring that youth and women perspectives are at the forefront of policy discussions. Her leadership is instrumental in promoting dialogue, reconciliation, and justice, particularly in marginalised communities.

    With fluency in English, working knowledge of French, and basic proficiency in Spanish and Arabic, Grace is adept at engaging with diverse audiences and stakeholders across the region. She has worked and delivered presentations in countries such as  Rwanda, Tanzania,  DRC, USA, and Kenya. Her international exposure and her project management, research, and advocacy skills position her as a key driver of CAPS-WA’s mission to promote alternative and sustainable security solutions in West Africa.

  • Head, Operations

    Nurudeen Suleiman brings extensive experience in public administration, research, and management to his role as Head of Operations at CAPS-WA. He holds an MPhil and a BSc in Public Administration from the University of Ghana Business School, where he conducted significant research on sustainable development and the role of small-scale mining in Ghana's rural communities. His academic journey has also included a Diploma in Public Administration, equipping him with a comprehensive understanding of public sector management, environmental governance, and development administration.

    Nurudeen's expertise lies in qualitative and quantitative research, with a strong foundation in fieldwork. He has collaborated with leading academics and institutions, such as the University of Saskatchewan and the Global Development Institute at the University of Manchester, conducting research on human security, rural development, and environmental sustainability. His publications include peer-reviewed articles and book chapters addressing the intersection of mining, human insecurity, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Ghana.

    Beyond academia, Nurudeen has diverse professional experience, including managing his own business. He has taught in two high schools and volunteers in an NGO dedicated to training young people. His leadership at CAPS-WA is underpinned by his deep commitment to promoting alternative and sustainable approaches to security in West Africa. His strategic and operational oversight ensures that CAPS-WA’s initiatives, such as community empowerment, environmental security, and youth engagement, are effectively implemented to achieve long-lasting peace and development in the region. 

    Proficient in multiple languages, including English, Akan, Hausa, and Arabic, Nurudeen is well-equipped to engage with diverse communities and stakeholders across West Africa.

  • Head, Programmes

    Komlan Avoulete is an experienced geopolitical analyst and expert in African affairs, focusing on U.S.-Africa relations and West African security dynamics. His incisive analysis has gained global recognition and influenced academics, policymakers, and international relations professionals.

    Komlan holds a B.S. in Sociology of Education from the University of Lomé, an A.A. in Global Studies from Delaware County Community College, and an M.A. in Diplomacy and International Relations from Seton Hall University, where he specialized in international security and African affairs. His master’s thesis explored the factors influencing the distribution of terrorist incidents within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a subject that remains central to his research interests.

    Komlan has contributed his expertise to several leading organizations. As a Sahel researcher with ACLED (Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project), he provided in-depth analyses of regional conflict trends. He also serves as a Security Fellow with the Center for African Conflict and Development, focusing on the strategic implications of drone technology and counterterrorism in the Sahel. Additionally, he has worked with the Foreign Policy Research Institute and contributed to the International Policy Digest, where his insights into African security, diplomacy, and intelligence have been widely valued. Komlan has also been involved in the design and execution of international exchange programs for the U.S. Department of State, working with organizations such as Citizen Diplomacy International of Philadelphia and World Learning. These experiences have broadened his expertise in diplomacy, foreign policy, and security intelligence, and strengthened his ability to foster international cooperation.

    Fluent in English, French, and Ewe, Komlan is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of international affairs professionals. His extensive knowledge of African security issues, coupled with his passion for education and global collaboration, makes him a key contributor to the mission of CAPS-WA and an invaluable asset to the international relations community.

  • Head, Africa Network of Critical Security Scholars

    Shirley Gabriella Achieng’ is the Executive Director and inaugural co-convener of the Africa Network of Critical Security Scholars (ANeCS). She is the Chair of the African Association of Political Science Kenya Chapter, a pan-African organization of scholars whose main objective is to interrogate the state of the politics, governance, economy, and development of African states. She is a 2020 Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships recipient, funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) New Zealand. She holds a Ph.D. in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of Otago, New Zealand.

    She also holds a Master’s degree in International Relations from the United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa), and a Bachelor’s in Political Science and Public Administration from Maasai Mara University. Her doctoral thesis titled Towards an Indigenous African Approach to Counterterrorism in Kenya was awarded the 2024 Exceptional Doctoral Thesis Award by the University of Otago. This award recognizes doctoral theses of exceptional quality and standard in every respect – research content, originality, quality of expression and accuracy of presentation – and is among the 10% of theses examined.

    Shirley has extensive experience in the civil service spanning over eight years. She has worked in various capacities in government providing policy and technical advice to the Kenyan national and county governments on matters of peace and conflict, and legislative procedures. She has given numerous presentations at workshops and conferences, including a workshop organized by the IGAD Peace and Security Division on Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD).

    She doubles as the co-founder of the Decolonial Terrorism Studies Network, where she is currently working with other scholars and stakeholders in the Global South to advocate for local solutions to the terrorism problem by centering subaltern voices to increase pluriversality and vibrancy of knowledges in the field of counterterrorism. 

    Her research interests include decolonial methodologies, counterterrorism and Countering Violent Extremism (CVE), restorative justice, peacebuilding and security studies. She has published many articles and book chapters on these topics in various journals, including The African Review and Critical Studies on Terrorism. Her recent publications include: CTS and Indigeneity. In A. Martini & R. Silva (Eds.), Contemporary Reflections on Critical Terrorism Studies (Routledge, 2023); Towards a Decolonial Approach to New Zealand’s Counterterrorism: Afrocentric Perspectives (2023); and Critical Terrorism Studies. In L. Frumkin, J. Morrison, & A. Silke (Eds.), A Research Agenda for Critical Terrorism Studies (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2023). She is a peer reviewer for many journals.

  • Media and Communications Advisor 

    Associate Prof. Etse Sikanku is the Media and Communications Advisor of CAPS-WA, where he advises the founder and the executive team on media engagement and outreach. He is an Associate Professor of Journalism and Communication at the University of Media, Arts and Communication-Institute of Journalism (UniMAC-IJ), Ghana. He holds a PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Iowa, a master’s degree in Journalism and Communication Studies from Iowa State University, and a BA in Political Science (First Class) from the University of Ghana, Legon. He was the recipient of the 2011 Outstanding Doctoral Student Award for Research from the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Iowa.

    Associate Prof Sikanku is a pioneering scholar of political communication, media representation, political reporting, and international communication in Ghana. His research has been published in globally recognised journals, including the International Journal of Communication, Howard Journal of Communication, International Communication Research Journal, Communication and the Public, and Journal of Black Studies. His expertise extends to political framing, campaign communication, and comparative communication. His book, The Afrocentric Obama and Lessons on Political Campaigning, was featured in a Harvard University book talk in 2016, and he has been a guest speaker at renowned institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania, and Iowa State University. His most recent book is 'Dr Bawumia and the Modern Vice Presidency in Ghana' (2024).

    Prof. Sikanku brings a wealth of practical experience to CAPS-WA, as he continues to engage in journalism, hosting television shows, radio talk shows, and working as a special assignment reporter. He has also served as an international correspondent, notably covering the 2008 and 2012 U.S. Presidential elections for CITI FM. His work has contributed significantly to public discourse and policy at both national and international levels, focusing on the role of communication in democratic deliberation and political crises.

    As Media and Communications Advisor, Prof. Sikanku oversees the center’s strategic communications, ensuring that CAPS-WA’s mission, research, and programs are effectively communicated to stakeholders and the public. His deep understanding of political and international communication enhances CAPS-WA’s efforts to advocate for sustainable security in West Africa.

  • Executive Coordinator 

    Frank Agyei is a skilled project manager and data analyst with over five years of experience in project coordination, executive support, and data management. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Geography and a Master of Arts in Population Studies from the University of Ghana, as well as a Professional Certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation from the University of Washington.

    Frank has a proven track record of developing and implementing processes that streamline operations, enhance collaboration, and drive strategic initiatives in dynamic and fast-paced environments. His expertise spans a wide range of data analysis tools and techniques, including statistical analysis, qualitative and quantitative research, and data collection. He is adept at interpreting complex data sets to identify trends, solve problems, and inform decision-making processes.

    As the Executive Coordinator at CAPS-WA, Frank leverages his experience in managing large-scale operations, having successfully coordinated the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey Project Secretariat and served as the Administrative Head and Chief Technical Officer for the 2021 Ghana Population and Housing Census in the Birim South District. In these roles, he managed budgets, implemented effective communication strategies, and built strong relationships with stakeholders, ensuring the successful execution of high-impact projects.

    Frank’s commitment to accuracy and quality is evident in his meticulous approach to data management. He utilizes advanced technology and digital tools to track project progress in real-time, ensuring data integrity and enabling informed decision-making at every stage. His leadership and expertise in managing complex projects are essential to CAPS-WA’s mission of promoting sustainable security and development across West Africa.

  • Executive Coordinator

    Patience Akofa Agala is the Executive Coordinator of the Centre for Alternative Politics & Security West Africa (CAPS-WA). She is a dedicated women and youth peacebuilding practitioner with a Master of Arts in Gender, Peace, and Security from the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Center and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and French from the University of Ghana. She also holds a diploma from Université Charles de Gaulle Lille 3, France.

    Akofa brings nearly two years of professional experience contributing to social impact projects in peacebuilding, gender mainstreaming, and project planning. She has gained valuable international experience working with renowned organizations such as the United Nations Department of Peace Operations (DPO) and the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP). Her tenure at the UN Secretariat involved assisting with research, report preparation, policy development, strategic communication, and database management. Additionally, she contributed to project management and participated in key international meetings and conferences.

    Her role at WANEP involved supporting early warning offices with data analysis and report writing, as well as assisting in proposal development and project implementation. She also has experience working with UNESCO on intangible cultural heritage projects through the National Folklore Board.

    Fluent in French (Niveau B1) and proficient in research, Akofa excels in gender mainstreaming, program management, and peacebuilding initiatives. She has also obtained various certifications, including the UN Women Training on Gender Concepts and the WANEP Youth Transformational Empowerment and Mentorship Programme for Peacebuilding. Akofa is passionate about contributing to sustainable security in West Africa, leveraging her diverse skills and experience to promote inclusive and impactful peacebuilding solutions.

    In her free time, she volunteers for social impact projects, staying committed to her mission of fostering peace and security in her community and beyond.

Redefining security in West Africa in more inclusive, sustainable, and effective ways.

CAPS-WA’s purpose is rooted in a vision of a secure and prosperous West Africa, and all of our activities are aligned with this overarching goal.