Conflict Early Warning and Response Mechanism

IGAD’s Conflict Early Warning and Response Mechanism (CEWARN) is one of Africa’s sub-regional conflict early warning and response systems and part of the African Peace and Security Architecture. CEWARN was established in 2002 by protocol of IGAD Member States to lead regional conflict prevention efforts through data-based early warning. The mechanism operates through a network of collaborators across the region from both government and non-government domain. These organisations cumulatively undertake data collection, analysis, decision-making and response initiatives.  CEWARN’s operational scope covers the whole breadth of human security challenges in the IGAD region. It monitors regional developments across five key sectors, namely: economy, social affairs, environment, security and governance.    One of CEWARN’s key contributions includes institutionalising peacebuilding and conflict management in the IGAD Member States by establishing national Conflict Early Warning and Response Units (CEWERUs) in all member states and thereby bridging the gap between early warning and response. CEWARN is also credited with the conceptualisation of a long-term strategy for regional peace and security by placing emphasis on grass-roots agency and empowering the voices of those most affected by conflicts on the ground.