Team Europe strengthens the capacities of women in Kédougou for conflict prevention

The launching ceremony took place in the presence of Mr. Jean-Marc Pisani, Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Senegal, Ms. Christine Fages, Ambassador of France to Senegal and regional authorities. Members of Team Europe are currently staying in Kédougou as part of a field mission to get closer and exchange with local stakeholders. Indeed, Team Europe intervenes in the region through projects in the areas of food security, security, health and microfinance.

This Sen Resilience program is funded by the European Union (EU) through its crisis response and conflict prevention instrument and is implemented by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in partnership with the National Union of Kédovine Initiatives of Senegal ( UNIKS), the Movement against Small Arms in West Africa (MALAO) and the Center for Advanced Defense and Security Studies (CHEDS). It constitutes a pilot phase which aims to lay the foundations for strengthening social cohesion in the different localities of the Kédougou region. Implemented for almost a year, it has already made it possible to organize numerous training sessions and dialogues between state and non-state actors on the prevention of potential conflicts in the region.

The crises in the Sahel have generated great insecurity which is spreading to many coastal countries. Faced with this threat, Senegal has developed a multidimensional response, supported by the EU. This involves, on the one hand, strengthening the security system (EU support for the Garsi security program) and, on the other hand, working to prevent conflicts or mitigate their effects, in which the program is part. SEN Resilience. The resilience of communities is built through strengthening dialogue between different actors, understanding threats and developing appropriate responses to preserve the most sensitive populations, particularly young people and women.

On this occasion, the EU Ambassador declared: “The implementation of the EU's commitments regarding women, peace and security is more relevant than ever in view of the current geopolitical context and the evolving of the security environment. I welcome this training because the role of women in conflict prevention is too often underestimated even though it can prove decisive in regulating tensions. The EU is committed throughout the world, and in particular on the African continent, to strengthen the capacities of women in conflict management.”