A Strong Commitment to Youth and the Prevention of Violent Extremism
The SIPODI Programme of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) supports the “One Hundred Women and Youth for the Security of Peace (HWY4PS)” project, a regional initiative led by RAMP-Benin with technical and institutional backing from SIPODI.
The project seeks to empower young women and men to take an active role in preventing violent extremism, promoting dialogue, and building peace in the sensitive regions of northern Benin.
Launched four months ago, HWY4PS forms part of the regional approach promoted by SIPODI since 2024, which supports local civil-society actors in strengthening community resilience in the face of West Africa’s security challenges.
Closing Ceremony in Parakou: A Symbol of Engagement and Hope
SIPODI participated in the closing ceremony of HWY4PS in Parakou, northern Benin.
The event celebrated the achievements of 200 young participants — 100 trained in person and 100 online — drawn from four regions: Dassa, Collines, Parakou, and Natitingou.
Through training sessions, intercommunity dialogue workshops, awareness campaigns, and mediation initiatives, these youth became ambassadors of peace in their communities. The project fostered civic participation, inclusive dialogue, and trust between young people and local authorities.
Authorities United Around a Common Vision
The closing event brought together political, security, religious, and traditional leaders, reflecting the shared commitment to peace as a foundation for local development.
All participants commended the joint efforts of SIPODI, RAMP-Benin, and the youth beneficiaries in promoting an inclusive and peaceful coexistence model.
🗣 “Our ambition is to enable young people across West Africa to share common values of peace and security, helping to prevent radicalization in vulnerable regions.” — SIPODI Programme
A Partnership for Sustainable Impact
SIPODI’s support is part of its broader regional vision to:
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foster civil-military dialogue,
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strengthen cross-border cooperation, and
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place youth at the heart of conflict prevention.
By supporting HWY4PS, SIPODI helps build a network of young peace leaders driving local and regional solutions.
These efforts contribute to a more resilient West Africa, where youth serve as a cornerstone of human security and sustainable development.
