An African-led institution for peace and dialogue.
The Baobab Group is a pan-West African peacebuilding and mediation institution. We work with governments, communities and regional bodies to build durable peace through dialogue, inclusion, traditional wisdom and innovative non-kinetic approaches that complement legitimate security efforts.
OUR MISSION
To strengthen peace and stability across West Africa by facilitating sovereign-led dialogue.
Empowering communities, supporting hybrid mediation, and promoting evidence-based non-kinetic approaches that complement legitimate national security efforts.
OUR VISION
A peaceful, resilient and prosperous West Africa
where governments, communities and legitimate institutions work together to resolve conflicts through dialogue, justice, inclusion and shared responsibility.
Our Partners
- Governments and Local Authorities
- Traditional and Religious Institutions
- ECOWAS, AES and AU
- Agencies and International Partners
- Civil Society and Community Organizations
Why Baobab?
The Baobab is the ancient African "Tree of Life." Traditionally it is the ultimate site for community dialogue, shade and justice. We bridge the gap between high-level statecraft and grassroots reality.
Our distinctive approach
State Primacy
We support, not replace, state authority.
Community Ownership
Communities lead the agenda. Solutions are locally owned and legitimate.
Differentiated Engagement
Tailored approaches for diverse groups and motivations.
Hybrid Mediation
Blending traditional systems, religious jurisprudence and modern practice.
Incremental Peacebuilding
Starting with practical local issues to build trust and confidence.
Regional Harmonization
Bridging ECOWAS and AES through policy coherence and shared learning.
Our values
- African-led, driven by local realities and solutions.
- Trusted by communities, respected by governments.
- Bridges ECOWAS and AES divides.
- Combines traditional wisdom, religious legitimacy and modern expertise.
- Flexible, confidential and results-oriented.
We work across ECOWAS and AES countries.
West Africa faces a complex security environment: the rise of violent extremist organizations, political fragmentation between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), socio-economic grievances and weak governance. Military responses are necessary but not sufficient.