Nigeria is the dominant power in West Africa and is vital for long-term peace and security in the region. Longstanding religious and ethnic tensions used by governments to politically mobilise, inequitable distribution of revenues from natural resources and regional disparity of wealth continue to cause conflict. The democratic election of President Obasanjo in 1999 ended almost 29 years of military rule but, paradoxically, brought increased conflict as long-held grievances, suppressed by military regimes, have erupted into violence.

Good governance hinges on elections. However electoral processes are seen as a threat in many countries, with incumbents using all available means to remain in office, breeding violence and conflict rather than democracy. Elections in 2003 marked the first civilian transfer of power in Nigeria's history but the results were contested in many states, with widespread accusations of fraud.

Alert worked with the Interfaith Mediation Centre, an organisation that promotes religious tolerance between Muslims and Christians. We built a network of local organisations to encourage dialogue between NGOs, communities, parliamentarians and officials on political issues and ensure the performance of those elected is monitored once they take office. Community meetings were held in Bayelsa, Osun and the Plateau of Nigeria between citizens and officials to discuss promises made during election campaigning followed by panel discussions on local radio stations. Ability to directly question and challenge politicians served to remind citizens and politicians that the electorate can oust the elected from office using ballot boxes rather than through violence.

Find out about our work with parliamentarians in the African Great Lakes region

Diamonds helped fuel the civil wars of Sierra Leone and Liberia, prompting the UN Security Council to ban diamond exports from both countries. Concerns over the likelihood of diamond mines in rebel controlled areas fuelling conflict led the Security Council to also ban exports from Côte d’Ivoire.

Peace returned to Sierra Leone in 2001, Liberia’s civil war came to an end in 2003 and the conflict in Cote d’Ivoire has stabilised for the present. Guinea, which repelled an attempted invasion of its diamond producing areas in 2000 and 2001, has so far managed to avoid diamond related internal strife. A well-managed and effectively run diamond industry that shares wealth generated with all sectors of society is in the interests of the region. Fair taxation and licensing provides opportunity to finance development projects in rural communities to cope with social disruption and environmental degradation that brought by mining for diamonds.

Alert conducted research in the four countries in 2006, producing a comprehensive report on the diamond industry in the region that included social and political analysis. In collaboration with UNDP and the Government of Liberia Ministry for Land, Mines and Energy we organised a conference which, opened by the president, brought together over 140 participants who issued a communiqué. Alert served as secretary of the Taskforce that was established after the conference.

Small arms are easily and cheaply obtainable, particularly in zones of conflict, and disarmament, demobilisation, reintegration and rehabilitation (DDRR) processes have been incomplete, leaving many ex-combatants with their guns. Alert conducted research and policy work on the implementation of small arms controls in the region:

Implementing international small arms controls: some lessons from Eurasia, Latin America and West Africa English ¦ French

Small arms control in West Africa (MISAC): An overview of the situation, this report examines arms controls initiatives and instruments and makes recommendations to improve the implementation of the ECOWAS moratorium on the import, export and manufacture of small arms and light weapons in West Africa, the main platform for arms control in the sub region.

Small arms control in Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal (MISAC)