States in West Africa taken individually or as a collective strive to consolidate democratic gains as a prerequisite for peace, stability and development; and an imperative for the prevention of the spread of transnational organised crime. Indeed, weak states are most vulnerable to and suitable siege for organised criminal groups. Prime amongst the contributing factors to state failure in West Africa are democratic deficit manifested in delayed, non-inclusive, violent or contested elections, impunity for corruption and other economic crimes as well as gross violations of human rights; economic injustice illustrated by unequal sharing of the benefit of the exploitation of natural resources, access to and opportunities for employment and wealth generation; and development-induced-displacement.
In this context, UNOWA seeks to promote synergy of action among UN entities operating in the sub region and with Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS), Mano River Union (MRU) and West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) and other international partners towards the capacity development of state actors, civil society and citizens as well as advocacy for the upholding of governance, rule of law and human rights standards and norms in peace and stability efforts in West Africa.
The security sector reform (SSR) is another major condition for durable peace in West Africa, as regularly stated by the Security Council and the Secretary-General. The situation in Guinea is yet another illustration of how the defense and security sector are key to stabilizing the country, both because of its still predominant political role and the potentially explosive tensions prevailing within the security architecture. In Guinea and elsewhere, therefore, security sector reform has become a priority area for UNOWA’s conflict prevention efforts. Its SSR strategy is directed at supporting and advising ECOWAS on the one hand and ensuring that the United Nations approach to SSR in West Africa is harmonized on the other hand.
EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN
Ebola virus disease, formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever is a severe, often fatal illness in humans. Its fatality rate can reach up to 90%. Viruses from the filoviridae genera are associated with this severely deadly disease which is one of the world's deadliest diseases.