ECOWAS: Security Agencies Deployed To Tackle Terrorism 

ECOWAS: Security Agencies Deployed To Tackle Terrorism 

The leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have taken significant steps to address the issue of terrorism and promote peace, security, and stability in the region.

During the 64th ordinary session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS, they established a mechanism to review the activation of a standby force specifically for counterterrorism operations in areas affected by terrorist groups.

Dr. Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, highlighted the leaders’ firm commitment to eradicating terrorism and other threats to peace and security.

In addition, ECOWAS expressed its intention to convene an extraordinary summit focused on addressing unconstitutional changes of government, with the aim of fostering peace, security, and democracy.

To pursue this objective, ECOWAS appointed a committee of Heads of State, led by President Bola Tinubu, to engage with the military junta in Niger Republic.

The committee’s purpose is to discuss the importance of implementing a short transition roadmap and establishing monitoring mechanisms.

As a reflection of their stance, ECOWAS also decided to gradually ease sanctions imposed on Niger Republic, based on the outcomes of these engagements.

The immediate and unconditional release of detained President Mohammed Bazoum was emphasized.

Furthermore, ECOWAS condemned the continued detention of President Mohammed Bazoum, his family, and associates by the military junta. The lack of commitment from the junta to restore constitutional order was strongly criticized by the Authority.

These measures taken by ECOWAS demonstrate their determination to address terrorism and unconstitutional changes of government while aiming to restore peace, security, and stability in the region.

“We call on the CMSP to release President Mohammed Bazoum, his family, and associates immediately without precondition.

“We resolved to set up a committee of Heads of State made up of the President and Head of State of the Republic of Togo, the President and the Head of State of the Republic of Sierra Leone, the President and Head of State of the Republic of Benin, to engage with the CMSP and other stakeholders with a view to agreeing on a short transition roadmap, establishing transition organs as well as facilitating the setting up of a transition monitoring and evaluation mechanism towards this speedy restoration of constitutional order,” the communique added.