The standby force of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is about to be activated.
The regional organization is also contemplating extending security assistance to Sierra Leone and making its logistics depot there operational.
Christopher Musa, the Chairman of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff, revealed these plans at the conclusion of the 42nd Ordinary Session of the Committee in Abuja on Friday.
Musa mentioned, “Various important topics were discussed during this conference, including the proposed security support by ECOWAS in Sierra Leone and the activation of the ECOWAS standby force.
“Additionally, we deliberated on matters concerning the functioning of our logistics depot in Sierra Leone and other peace support operations undertaken by ECOWAS, among other things.”
He urged the member countries to fulfill their commitments towards activating the standby force of the region.
Musa expressed, “Throughout our discussions, the significance of our collective effort and mutual dedication has been apparent.
“More notably, the pledges made by member states to activate the ECOWAS standby force and provide security assistance to Sierra Leone, among other initiatives.
“Nonetheless, I am convinced that we will uphold our promises.
“I am confident that the remarkable ideas and honorable solutions proposed will undoubtedly strengthen our individual and collective capabilities to address and support present and future security challenges.”
Musa expressed disappointment over the absence of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from the discussions.
He observed that their non-attendance, despite being invited, indicates that they are not viewed as adversaries.
He emphasized, “We regret the nonappearance of our counterparts from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. As you can see from the seating plan, their flags are present. They were invited to the session. This clearly demonstrates to the world that they are not foes; they are our siblings, and we anticipate their return to ECOWAS.
“As nations, no single country can independently withstand the existing challenges. We must collaborate as a team. Our strength is in unity. We look forward to restoring the relationship to its proper state. It is also crucial that we promote cooperation among other nations by advancing progress, sharing resources, and leveraging each other’s strengths to maximize our impact and achieve common goals.”
Musa reminded the Defence Chiefs that continual collaboration is required to address emerging threats in the region’s security landscape.
He remarked, “Let me reiterate that the security environment is evolving and demands ongoing collaboration to effectively tackle emerging threats. Furthermore, we must uphold our democratic principles and assist our governments in fulfilling our responsibilities to ensure economic growth and development.”
Musa also urged the Defence Chiefs to uphold democratic governance systems in their respective countries.
He stated, “We must champion democracy. Illegitimate takeovers of governments are unwelcome and should not be endorsed.”
The ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, mentioned that all member countries have pledged their support for activating the standby force.
He indicated that the activation aims to combat terrorism in the region.
Musah added, “One of the main agenda items is the continued activation of the ECOWAS standby force in its kinetic mode to combat terrorism in our region.
“All our member states have pledged their support for this initiative. The committee has been refining the strategy towards the eventual activation of the kinetic force. We must combat terrorism.
“Terrorism is spreading from the Sahel region to the coastal nations. In recent weeks, there have been several severe attacks in our region, including in Niger, northern Mali, and incursions into the coastal countries of Benin and Togo.
“No one is immune to terrorist attacks, which is why the committee of chiefs of defense has convened here to devise strategies to confront this existential threat facing our sub-region. We are encouraged by their recommitment to the fight against it.”