The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) stated on Tuesday that the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic from the regional bloc has intensified security challenges in the region.
Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, emphasized this at a stakeholders’ engagement on regional defence and security, organized by the European Union and the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Abuja.
In January, the three military-led West African nations announced their departure from ECOWAS, accusing it of posing a threat to its members. Musah noted that their decision to form the Alliance of the Sahelian States has hindered the fight against terrorism.
“ECOWAS’s position is that we want these countries back into the community and we are doing everything to get them back,” Musah said, stressing the importance of unity in combating terrorism.
He highlighted that Burkina Faso has nearly 50% of its territory controlled by terrorists, warning that a solid terrorist base in West Africa would threaten the entire region and beyond.
To address these issues, ECOWAS is planning a summit aimed at reintegrating the three countries. Additionally, finance and defence ministers from the region will meet in Abuja in June to finalize funding for a new counter-terrorism force, with an initial budget of $2.5 billion.
“The committees of the chief of defence staff have already determined the cost implications, and the ministers will decide on contributions to support this counter-terrorism force,” Musah concluded.
