Defence Minister Encourages ECOWAS Chiefs To Strengthen Stability Efforts In West Africa

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has charged ECOWAS chiefs of defence staff to develop new military strategies and coordinate regional security that will ensure peace and stability in the sub-region.

He also charged them to develop strategies that will effectively respond to emerging threats in the continent.

Badaru said this while delivering a speech at the 42 meeting of ECOWAS chiefs of defence staff in Abuja.

He said their military knowledge and strategic foresight are crucial in ending insecurity in the sub-region and the entire African continent.

Badaru said: “This meeting is a further testament to our collective and resolute commitment to the peace, security and stability of our region.

“The role of the ECOWAS committee of chiefs of defence staff cannot be overstated as we develop new military strategies and coordinate regional security, ensuring peace, stability, and effective responses to emerging threats.

“In these times of rapidly evolving challenges, your military knowledge and strategic foresight are crucial. Your capacity to devise solutions is more essential than ever as we strive to protect our security and uphold the maintenance of regional peace, stability, and security as inclusively stated under the fundamental principles.

“As we gather in Abuja beginning today for this meeting, it is important that you deeply reflect on the rapidly evolving complex security situation in our region.

“The threats we face are multi-faceted, ranging from violence, terrorism, and insurgency to organized crime and piracy.

“As the vanguard of our peace and security efforts, your strategies, decisions, and actions are vital in determining our security landscape and architecture.

“Furthermore, the recent destabilizing events in some of our member states, marked by unconstitutional changes in government, remind us of the fragile nature of our democratic institutions and the urgency for robust and coordinated responses.

“This meeting therefore presents an opportunity to share insights, exchange ideas, and strengthen our partnerships to enhance our capacities and also address the security challenges we face.”

The minister who is the special guest of honour at the event, urged the committee to expedite a reference with two contributing countries towards the deployment of the ECOWAS Stabilization Mission in Sierra Leone “and operationalization of the Regional Standby Force for Counter-Terrorism, as well as the ongoing peace support operation in The Gambia, South-South and other sister countries.”

Badaru commended the committee for coming up with a project document on the modalities for utilizing the internal, financial, human, and material resources for the deployment of the Regional Counter-Terrorism Force.

He said: “I am pleased to inform you that the Mediation and Security Council at the ministerial level reviewed the proposal, which received high praise.

“We also received a report from the Ministers of Finance and Defence regarding the proposals for resource mobilization. It is however important to emphasize that the imperative of raising the required funds internally is fundamental as we could foster a sense of ownership and ensure sustainability.

“As such, the success of this force is necessary for our region to effectively address the current political challenges. I, therefore, assure you that once the finance experts and ministers of finance finalize their meeting, which will go to students, the Mediation and Security Council at the ministerial level and my leadership will prioritize the application of the Standby Force for Counter-Terrorism efforts.”