ECOWAS activates standby counter-terrorism force

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has activated its standby force to tackle terrorism in the region.

Mohammed Badaru, Nigeria’s minister of defence, spoke on Tuesday at the 43rd ordinary meeting of ECOWAS committee chiefs of defence staff in Abuja.

Badaru charged his security counterparts in the region to take advantage of the resolution and mobilise against threats and terrorism.

The minister noted that discussions would revolve around the standby force, ECOWAS peace support operation, and the maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.

“In this regard, I am pleased to announce the activation of the ECOWAS Standby Force to combat terrorism in the sub region,” he added.

“The activation of this force underscores our collective determination to confront the stretch of terrorism with regards to the security of the sub region and to ensure the safety and security of our citizens.

“Before I take my seat, let me express my profound gratitude to each of you for the ongoing dedication, professionalism and commitment to the security and well-being of our people.”

The announcement comes as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger formally withdrew from the bloc, complicating the region’s security architecture.

Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS commissioner, political affairs, peace and security, urged the gathering to critically examine the implications of the trio’s withdrawal on regional security in the course of deliberations.

After the 2023 coup in Niger Republic, President Bola Tinubu, ECOWAS chairman, threatened to deploy the bloc’s standby force to restore democracy.

However, mediators advised against it, calling for diplomacy instead.