Mandate
The Directorate of Political Affairs (DPA), established under Article 16 of the ECOWAS Mechanism (1999), is mandated to promote peace and security across Member States. It fulfils this role by facilitating international cooperation and supporting the Community’s key organs. The DPA also works to prevent conflicts through preventive diplomacy, mediation, and dialogue facilitation, while strengthening governance institutions. Its activities are guided by the Protocol Relating to the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping and Security (1999); the Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance (2001); Protocol on the Fight Against Corruption (2001); and the 2008 ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework (ECPF). 

The Directorate implements the following programs: 

1. Mediation and preventive diplomacy, including the facilitation of statutory meetings on peace & security. This includes facilitating Good Offices Mission, deployment of Preventive Diplomacy and Mediation Missions to Member States in Political Crises; Coordination and Servicing of Meetings of the Mediation and Security Council (MSC) at the Ambassadorial, Ministerial and Heads of State levels, and enhancing Regional and International Cooperation with the AU/RECs, UN, EU and other partners in the spirit of Subsidiarity and Complementarity.
2. Provide strategic and operational support to conflict prevention. Facilitating Structural Conflict Prevention Initiatives across the Member States and with CSOs in the Region; Coordination and Creating Awareness on the implementation of the ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework (ECPF) in the Region.
3. Promote and consolidate democracy, good governance, and rule of law. This entails promoting Good Governance, Human Rights, and Rule of Law in the Region; strengthening Member States' Democratic Institutions to enhance participatory democracy, integrity, and accountability in Governance; deepening Constitutionalism and Justice Systems; and enhancing inclusivity and decentralisation of governance processes.
4. Support and promote peaceful and credible elections and political transitions within the region. This includes providing Electoral Assistance to Member States; Enhancing the capacities of Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) and facilitating the deployment of Election Observation Missions.

Organogram of DPA
The directorate’s mandate is implemented through its three divisions as provided for in the 2018 ECOWAS Commission-approved organogram, namely: 

• The Mediation and Coordination of Regional Political Affairs Division - MCRPA;
• The Democracy and Good Governance Division – DGG;
• The Electoral Assistance Division – EAD.