ZIF, in cooperation with the GIZ and Dr. Cordula Reimann from Core, has published a manual for trainers, to support them in integrating a gender perspective in their training modules.

The recent trends in the West African sub-region display various contradictions. On the one hand, certain political and economic developments give reason for optimism. On the other hand, new and very serious threats have emerged over the last years which – if not addressed adequately – could undercut gains made and erode stability and security in the whole region. On the positive side, economic growth rates have been promising, and elections have become well established as the only legitimate way of changing the government.

Since the end of the Cold War, the UN Security Council has consistently partnered with regional and subregional organizations around the world within the framework of Chapter VIII of the UN Charter, including through the authorization of peace operations by these organizations. Enhanced consultation and more fluid interaction between the Council and regional organizations can have an immediate impact on the successful conduct of peace operations on the ground and would also improve long-term trust and cooperation between the Council and its partners.

Over the past two decades the U.S. and Europe have engaged actively in efforts to prevent conflict and to manage crises around the world. Efforts to stabilize the Balkans and interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq challenged the transatlantic community, and many questioned the need for Americans or Europeans to engage at all. Yet the Rwandan genocide, the Srebrencia massacre and other atrocities brought home the horrifying costs of non-intervention.