As part of the Sub-Saharan Africa Security Dialogue Program (SIPODI), the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) organized a strategic seminar in Katiola from March 13 to 14, 2025. Under the theme “Together for safe and democratic elections: Dialogue for security in the run-up to the elections,” this event aimed to strengthen coordination between defense and security forces, local authorities, and civil society organizations with a view to better anticipating security challenges related to the upcoming elections.
2. Structure and organization of discussions
The meeting was organized around plenary sessions, thematic panels, and interactive discussions, allowing for an in-depth analysis of security issues specific to the region.
🔹 Day 1 (March 13, 2025): Opening and security assessment
- Opening ceremony chaired by local authorities and KAS representatives.
- Security assessment of the region: presentations by experts and representatives of the defense forces.
- Debates on the dynamics of violence in the electoral context, with a particular focus on the prevention of community tensions.
🔹 Day 2 (March 14, 2025): Strengthening local synergies
- Panel on inter-institutional collaboration strategies between local authorities and security forces.
- Workshops: identification of critical issues and development of recommendations. (March 14, 2025): Summary and recommendations
- Presentation of the conclusions of the group work and the commitments made by the stakeholders.
- Closing ceremony, with a look ahead to the next steps to be taken.
3. Key recommendations
✔ Improve local security coordination, with a strengthened monitoring mechanism.
✔ Better integrate civil society and young people in conflict prevention during election periods.
✔ Establish an early warning system combining local intelligence and rapid action.
✔ Encourage multipartite dialogue through regular consultation initiatives.
The Katiola seminar helped to consolidate a concerted and proactive approach to securing the electoral process. Participants unanimously expressed the need to institutionalize these forums for exchange with a view to achieving more inclusive and resilient security governance in the face of regional challenges.
