Security: ECOWAS to activate standby force

The Economic Community of West African States is preparing to activate its standby force.

The regional bloc is also considering extending security support to Sierra Leone and operationalising its logistics depot there.

Christopher Musa, Chairman of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff, disclosed this at the close of the 42nd Ordinary Session of the Committee in Abuja on Friday.
Musa said, “Some of the key discussions during this conference covered the proposed ECOWAS security support in Sierra Leone and the activation of the ECOWAS standby force.

“Furthermore, we deliberated on issues pertaining to the operationalisation of our logistics depot in Sierra Leone and other ECOWAS peace support operations, among others.”

He urged the different countries to fulfil their pledges towards the activation of the region’s standby force.

Musa said, “In all of our deliberations, the importance of our collective effort and shared commitment has been evident.

More important are the pledges made by member states towards the activation of the ECOWAS standby force and security support mission in Sierra Leone, among others.

“Nevertheless, I have no doubt that we will not renege on our promises.

“I am confident that the incredible ideas and noble solutions
proffered will undoubtedly enhance our individual and collective capacity to confront and support contemporary and future security challenges.”

Musa expressed regret over the absence of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from the deliberations.

He noted that their non-attendance, despite invitations, demonstrates that they are not considered enemies.

He stated, “We regret the absence of our colleagues from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. You can see from the table that we have their flags. They were invited to the meeting. This shows the entire world that they are not enemies; they are our brothers, and we look forward to their return to ECOWAS. As nations, no single country can withstand the current challenges alone.

“We need to work as a team. We are stronger together. We look forward to restoring the relationship to its proper state. It is also imperative that we continue to encourage collaboration among other countries by advancing progress, sharing resources, and leveraging each other’s strengths to maximise our impact and achieve shared objectives.”

Musa reminded the Defence Chiefs that the security landscape in the region requires ongoing collaboration to address emerging threats.

He said, “Let me remind us that the security landscape is evolving and will require continuous collaboration to address emerging threats effectively. Equally, we must uphold our democratic values and support our governments in line with our responsibilities to ensure economic growth and development.”

Musa also urged the Defence Chiefs to support democratic systems of government in their countries.

He said, “We should stand by democracy. All non-constitutional takeovers of government are foreign and must not be encouraged.”

ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, said all member countries have pledged support for the activation of the standby force.

He stated that the activation aims to combat terrorism in the region.

Musah said, “One of the key agenda items is the continued activation of the ECOWAS standby force in its kinetic mode to fight terrorism in our region.

“All our member states have pledged support for this initiative. The committee has been fine-tuning the roadmap towards the eventual activation of the kinetic force. We need to combat terrorism.

“Terrorism is moving from the Sahel to the coastal countries. In recent weeks, we have experienced several powerful attacks in our region, including Niger, northern Mali, and cross-border incursions into the coastal countries of Benin and Togo.

“No one is entirely safe from terrorist attacks, which is why the committee of chiefs of defence has met here to work out modalities for confronting this existential threat facing our sub-region. We are pleased that they have reaffirmed their commitment to the fight against it.”