The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is set to activate its standby force in response to the escalating terrorism threat in the region.
This decision was announced by the Chairman of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, following a meeting in Abuja.
The regional bloc is also considering expanding its security presence to Sierra Leone and establishing a logistics depot there.
ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, emphasized the urgent need for the standby force to combat terrorism, which has spread from the Sahel region to coastal countries. Recent attacks in Niger, Mali, Benin, and Togo highlight the critical threat posed by these groups.
While the activation of the standby force is a significant step, the absence of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from the meeting is a cause for concern. ECOWAS officials have expressed hope for their eventual return and continued cooperation within the bloc.
