ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence Staff gather in Abuja to combat rising terrorism, secure regional stability
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission is convening the 42nd Ordinary Meeting of the Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff (CCDS) in Abuja, Nigeria, from August 7 to 9, 2024.
This crucial gathering comes amid escalating threats from Terrorist Armed Groups (TAGs), Violent Extremist Groups (VEGs), and Transnational Organized Crimes (TOCs), which are increasingly destabilizing the region.
The Central Sahel has emerged as a hotspot for TAGs and VEGs, while coastal member states face mounting pressure from advancing terrorist activities.
The meeting aims to address the deteriorating security landscape, with a focus on the urgent need for collective action against terrorism.
Key objectives of the meeting include reviewing the ECOWAS Security Support Mission in Sierra Leone, updating the activation of the ECOWAS Standby Force to combat terrorism, and discussing the development of the ECOWAS Logistics Depot. Additionally, the rotation of staff officers within the ECOWAS Peace Support Operations Division and Standby Force will be on the agenda.
During the opening ceremony, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mr. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, urged the CCDS to enhance security cooperation to fortify their defence capabilities against emerging threats. He emphasized the importance of dialogue, shared expertise, and collaborative solutions to strengthen regional security.
Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, PhD, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, highlighted the necessity of this meeting in light of recent political developments. He noted that the session would allow for a comprehensive review of the evolving security environment, enabling a repositioning of the defense architecture to effectively address immediate needs related to peace and security across West Africa.
General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff of Nigeria and Chairman of the occasion, reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to ensuring security and upholding democratic governance in the region. He acknowledged the multifaceted security challenges posed by terrorism and organized crime, emphasizing the need for a united front.
Furthermore, Minister of Interior, Mr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, extended a warm welcome to participants, wishing them successful deliberations. Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Yusuf Tuga, reiterated the meeting’s significance as a testament to the collective commitment to securing regional stability, underlining the critical role of ECOWAS staff in developing emergency strategies and coordinating responses to rapidly evolving threats.
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