ECOWAS, Egypt strengthen ties for regional security

In a significant step towards bolstering regional security, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Arab Republic of Egypt are exploring enhanced cooperation in peace and security. This initiative aims to make West Africa a safer and more stable region.

The discussions were highlighted during a courtesy visit by the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, H.E. Mohamed Fouad, to the ECOWAS Commission’s Commissioner of Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Dr. Abdel-Fatau Musa, in Abuja.

Commissioner Musa emphasized the critical need for collaboration in operationalizing the ECOWAS Counter-Terrorism Force.

He revealed plans to convene a special summit focused on the future of regional integration, underscoring the Commission’s commitment to preventing geo-political tensions from escalating into proxy wars.

“ECOWAS can greatly benefit from Egypt’s expertise in regional peace consolidation,” Commissioner Musa stated, adding that ECOWAS firmly opposes any Member State’s withdrawal, as it contradicts the principles of integration and pan-Africanism.

He also highlighted the importance of Egyptian support in managing the impacts of the Libyan crisis to ensure the safety of the Sahel, which is crucial for the region’s peace and security environment.

Ambassador Fouad recognized ECOWAS as the continent’s most successful regional economic community. He affirmed Egypt’s readiness to adopt a comprehensive approach to addressing terrorism, cross-border crimes, insecurity, and insurgencies.

Despite not being in West Africa, Egypt acknowledges the strategic importance of its proximity to the Maghreb and the border regions.

“Egypt’s cooperation with ECOWAS is rooted in mutual understanding and shared needs for capacity building and information exchange,” Ambassador Fouad said. He expressed optimism that Egypt’s experiences would significantly contribute to ECOWAS’s peacekeeping, mediation, and integration efforts.

Both parties remain hopeful that this collaboration will lead to strengthened regional stability and a united front against common security challenges.