The Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS, in collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea and its partners, the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) and ACCORD, organised the 2nd Regional General Assembly of the ECCAS Women Mediators Network (REFEMAC). Under the theme “Strengthening REFEMAC and its Decentralization for Female Leadership in Diplomacy and Community Mediation,” the General Assembly took place from 26–27 November 2024 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.
The REFEMAC initiative, led by ECCAS and co-conceptualised with ACCORD in 2021, included several initiatives, such as a strategic meeting and a capacity building workshop held in November 2022. Over the past three years, ECCAS has made significant strides in implementing UNSC Resolution 1325 on Women Peace and Security, by strengthening policies, mediation structures, and promoting women’s leadership in peace processes.
The Second General Assembly of the REFEMAC focused on decentralisation to enhance women’s involvement at all levels, including local and decision-making stages. These efforts were in line with the 2022 Kinshasa Declaration which called for the operationalisation of the ECCAS Women Mediators Network and the establishment of national branches to support local and community cooperation in peace and mediation efforts.
Member states at the Assembly were able to provide updates on the Action Plans of the Network, particularly in promoting women in decision-making processes. Member states were also encouraged to present their challenges and limitations, which would identify how ECCAS can provide further support to the Network.
The General Assembly aligns with ACCORD’s strategic goal of enhancing the institutional responses of the African Union and Regional Economic Communities to complex conflicts, as well as promoting the role of women in preventing, mitigating, and resolving conflicts. ACCORD will continue to engage with ECCAS to further strengthen the mediation and conflict prevention efforts of the Network.
