ABUJA/Nigeria: The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff (CCDS) has concluded their 42nd Ordinary Meeting in Abuja with a firm commitment to addressing the security challenges that jeopardize the political stability and socio-economic well-being of the region.
The high-level gathering, held from August 7 to 9, 2024, at the National Defence Headquarters, underscored the vital need for cooperation through shared experiences, intelligence exchange, and collective action to combat terrorism and transnational organized crime across West Africa.
Chaired by General Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff and Chairman of the CCDS, the meeting drew top military leaders from across the region, supported by H.E. Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security. The Defence Chiefs conducted a thorough assessment of their state of readiness, focusing on capabilities, personnel, and logistics to ensure the swift activation of the ECOWAS Counter-Terrorism Force (CTForce) as part of the broader operationalization of the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF).
A key outcome of the meeting was the approval of a 1,200-strong ECOWAS Security Mission to Sierra Leone, following directives from the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government during their 64th Ordinary Summit in December 2023. This mission, aimed at stabilizing the country, includes the establishment of a Force Headquarters, Joint Intelligence Fusion Centre, and a composite battalion, highlighting ECOWAS’s proactive stance on regional security.
The Defence Chiefs also reviewed the progress of the ECOWAS Logistics Depot at Lungi, which is now over 90 percent complete. The discussions emphasized the strategic importance of transferring logistical equipment to this facility, which is set to play a critical role in supporting ongoing and future security missions across the region.
Reaffirming their commitment, the Defence Chiefs pledged to raise a 5,000-man ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF), with immediate efforts to mobilize a 1,650-man Counter-Terrorism Brigade. To expedite the activation of the ESF, the ECOWAS Ministers of Finance are scheduled to meet later this month to finalize the necessary funding and equipping of the kinetic force.
During their time in Abuja, the Defence Chiefs paid a courtesy visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President of Nigeria and Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. President Tinubu praised their dedication to regional security and democratic governance, reaffirming the Authority’s commitment to providing the resources needed to fulfill their mandate.
In addition, the Defence Chiefs visited the Nigerian National Counterterrorism Centre in Abuja, where they forged new synergies and partnerships aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of regional security efforts. The Abuja meeting stands as a powerful testament to ECOWAS’s unwavering resolve to maintain peace, security, and stability across West Africa in the face of evolving threats.
