ECOWAS To REINVIGORATE ITS STANDBY FORCE

The Economic Community of West African States says it has preparation to up the activities for activation of its standby force.

The regional bloc is also noted that it is considering extension of security support to Sierra Leone so as to operationalise its logistics depot in that country.

The ECOWAS Committee Chairman of the Chiefs of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa stated this during the close of the 42nd Ordinary Session of the Committee in Abuja .

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.

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He Appealed to 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.”

He expressed concern over the absence of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from the deliberations.

According to him 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.”

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 explained that, “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.”