The Committee of Chiefs of Staff of the Economic Community of West African States (CCDS) has concluded its 42nd Ordinary Meeting in Abuja, reaffirming its commitment to addressing security challenges and sustaining democratic stability in the region.
The 42nd Ordinary Meeting of the Committee of Chiefs of Staff of the Economic Community of West African States (CCDS), held in Abuja, Nigeria, from 7 to 9 August, marked a decisive turning point in the organisation’s commitment to regional security.
Chaired by General Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, the meeting underscored the critical importance of regional cooperation in the face of persistent security threats in West Africa.
Discussions focused on the urgency of strengthening intelligence cooperation and joining forces to combat terrorism and transnational organized crime.
“No nation can meet these challenges alone. Our strength lies in our unity and collective determination to protect stability and democratic governance in West Africa,” General Musa was quoted as saying in a ECOWAS communiqué issued on Wednesday.
One of the highlights of the meeting was the approval of a 1,200-strong security mission in Sierra Leone. This decision follows the directive of the authority of the heads of state and government of the community organisation at its 64th ordinary summit in December 2023.
The Chiefs of Staff committed to strengthening this force, particularly by establishing a headquarters and a joint intelligence fusion center, the release said.
In addition, the CCDS reaffirmed its commitment to activate the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF), with a target of 5,000 troops, including a 1,650-strong counter-terrorism brigade as an immediate priority.
“This force will be crucial to our ability to respond quickly and effectively to security threats in the region,” stressed an ECOWAS spokesperson, also quoted in the document.
The meeting also included a courtesy call on Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, current chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States.
President Tinubu commended the efforts of the Chiefs of Staff and pledged the authority’s support in providing the resources needed to secure the region.
ARD/te/sf/lb/as/APA