The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has taken a significant step towards enhancing its regional security with a move to establish a standby force.
This development was announced by the Chief of Defence Staff, Armed Forces of Nigeria, General Christopher Gwabin Musa at the end of the 42nd Ordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff, held in Abuja, Nigeria.
The three-day meeting, attended by the Chiefs of Defence Staff of the member states, high-ranking military officials, ambassadors, and representatives from member states, focused on key issues such as the proposed ECOWAS security support in Sierra Leone and the activation of the standby force.
Participants also deliberated on the operationalization of the logistic deportment in Sierra Leone and other ECOWAS peace support operations.
“The establishment of the standby force is a testament to the commitment of ECOWAS member states to collective security and stability in the region.
“The force is expected to enhance the region’s capacity to confront and support contemporary and futuristic security challenges,” the CDS said.
In his closing remarks, the chairman of the ECOWAS Committee of the Chiefs of Defence Staff and the Chief of Defence Staff of the Nigerian Armed Forces, General Christopher Musa, emphasized the importance of collective effort and shared commitment to achieving regional security.
General Musa applauded the active participation of members and pledged to remain committed to the activation of the standby force and security support mission in Sierra Leone.
“We have also shared laudable ideas with passion and objectively come up with creative solutions that will redefine the security landscape of West Africa.
“I salute and applaud your active participation towards enhancing the overall security situation of the region and the entire continent.
“Some of our key discussions during this conference bothered the proposed ECOWAS Security Support Mission in Sierra Leone and the activation of the ECOWAS Standby Force.
“Furthermore, we deliberated on issues about the operationalization of our Logistics Depot in Sierra Leone and other ECOWAS Peace Support Operations amongst others,” he averred.
General Musa also highlighted the need for continued collaboration among member states, reducing progress, sharing resources, and leveraging each other’s strengths to maximize impact and achieve shared objectives.
He noted that the establishment of the standby force, will address emerging threats and ensure economic growth and development in the region.
The success of this initiative is a testament to the power of regional cooperation and collaboration.
ECOWAS woos Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso to return to fold
President Bola Tinubu has said ECOWAS will continue to persuade the military leaders of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso to return their nations to the fold.
The President, who doubles as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, made the plea at a meeting with ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence Staff on Friday in Abuja.
He said, “It is in our hearts to make sure that security is enhanced and that constitutional government is defended and promoted in our region.
”It has been a challenging tenure for me since three members indicated their exit. We will work hard to persuade them to return, whichever way.
”No one man is smarter than the group of heads that is here. We will do everything to offer a hand of friendship to them and give them reasons to come back to us.”
The ECOWAS Chairman lauded the defence chiefs for their commitment to regional stability and protection of constitutional governance.
”The solution to terrorism and other challenges lies in our hands. We have to do it together. The ECOWAS standby force must be ready. We will continue to invest in this, as well as in the economic prosperity and opportunities across our region,” President Tinubu said.
General Christopher Musa, the Chairman of the ECOWAS Chief of Defence Staff, informed the President that the defence chiefs had agreed that challenges in the region, such as insurgency and unconstitutional changes in government, must be addressed collectively.
According to him, discussions at the meeting also focused on enhancing the capacity of ECOWAS military component, including the proposed standby force.
He announced that a decision had been made to deploy 1,200 troops to Sierra Leone, with countries making pledges to support this effort.
ECOWAS advises Benin, Niger to put aside differences, reopen common frontier
ECOWAS mission fruitful, UN Deputy Secretary-General tells Tinubu
”We are aware that the ECOWAS ministers of finance will meet to discuss the issue of funding, which is another very critical aspect. We also looked at the issue of logistics,” he said.
Highlighting the balance between military efforts and the political components of good governance, peace, and security as essential for achieving long-term stability, General Musa pledged the commitment of the defence chiefs to work in unison to ensure the security and safety of the West African sub-region.
