By Harriet Tornguvan -Abuja
The Chiefs of Defence Staff of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have reiterated their commitment to ensuring the security and stability of the subregion.
This renewed pledge follows the recent activation of the ECOWAS Standby Force, a 5,000-strong unit designed to enhance regional defense capabilities.
Speaking at the conclusion of the 43rd Ordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff, the committee's chairman and Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, emphasized the importance of strengthening regional cooperation to address security challenges.
Gen. Musa noted that the three-day meeting provided a platform to identify key security vulnerabilities and reinforce collective strategies to tackle them.
“As expected, there were areas of concern among member states, but more importantly, there was a firm resolve on the need for unified action.
"This gathering reflects our unwavering commitment to our primary duty as armed forces to protect our people from threats and insecurity.
Speaking during the meeting covered critical security matters, including the review of pledges for the ECOWAS Standby Force, the establishment of the ECOWAS Counter-Terrorism Brigade, and the rotation of staff officers within Peace Support Operations and the Standby Force.
Additionally, presentations were made on the outcomes of the Governmental Experts Meeting concerning the ECOWAS Logistics Concept and the Standard Operating Procedures for the ECOWAS Logistics Depot in Lungi.
Gen. Musa highlighted that the forum also reviewed the report from the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Naval Staff and discussed the standardization of the Table of Equipment for the Standby Force.
“Our deliberations have been productive and will undoubtedly lead to concrete actions that will strengthen our collective efforts in ensuring a more secure and prosperous region,” he affirmed.
The meeting underscored the importance of regional collaboration in addressing security threats and reaffirmed ECOWAS' commitment to maintaining peace and stability across West Africa.
