ECOWAS to tackle terrorism in Nigeria and Others
Nigeria and several other West African countries are facing a significant challenge with terrorism. Fortunately, they’re not alone in this battle; they’ll be getting help from a standby force being organized by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This is a big relief for the region as ECOWAS has expressed serious concerns about the increasing terrorist activities in the Sahel region.
The plan to establish this standby force was announced recently, with ECOWAS aiming to raise a substantial sum of $2.4 billion for this purpose. Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, the ECOWAS Commissioner in charge of Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, shared this news in Abuja, emphasizing the urgent need for action. He spoke with a mix of concern and determination, highlighting the severity of the situation in the region.
Musah pointed out that Burkina Faso has now surpassed Afghanistan as the most terrorized state globally, a shocking fact that underscores the gravity of the terrorism issue in West Africa. He also mentioned how terrorist groups setting up bases in one country can threaten the safety of neighboring countries, affecting nations like Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Cote d’Ivoire in recent years.
Despite these challenges, Musah acknowledged Nigeria’s progress in degrading the Boko Haram terrorist group. This acknowledgment came with a sense of relief, recognizing the efforts made by the Nigerian government to improve security within its borders.
The consultative meeting held by ECOWAS focused on enhancing training, capacity building, and research for the Standby Force. This collaborative effort involves designated training centers of excellence in Nigeria, Ghana, and Mali. However, Mali’s absence at the meeting could be linked to its recent decision to withdraw from the ECOWAS community, signaling a complex political landscape in the region.
The urgency to address terrorism was evident in Musah’s statements, where he mentioned the cascading spread of terrorism across the region. He emphasized the need for a dedicated counter-terrorism force to contain this threat effectively.
The funding aspect was also highlighted, with plans to raise $2.4 billion for the ECOWAS Standby Force. Member states are expected to contribute to this fund, signaling a collective commitment to combatting terrorism and ensuring regional security.
Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu from the National Defence College reiterated the importance of these training centers in enhancing the region’s capabilities to counter terrorism. He encouraged active participation and the exchange of ideas among participants to strengthen the anti-terrorist campaign in West Africa.
