The Chiefs of Defence Staff of the Economic Community of West African States(ECOWAS) on Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to regional security, pledging to ensure the subregion’s safety and stability.
The renewed vow came on the heels of the activation of ECOWAS’ 5,000-strong Standby Force, a significant move aimed at bolstering regional defense capabilities against adversaries.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 43rd Ordinary Meeting of ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff, Chairman of the committee and Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, stated that the three-day meeting aimed to enhance regional security and cooperation within the ECOWAS community.
The gathering also sought to unify efforts in addressing the region’s security challenges.
Gen. Musa said the ECOWAS Defence chiefs had identified some critical vulnerabilities to regional security and demonstrated their firm resolve towards addressing these threats.
He said: “As expected, there were areas of concern between members but more importantly there was firm resolve on the need for collective action.
“Within the past days, we have deliberated over critical security concerns in the West African Sub Region. Some of these areas include the review of pledges for ECOWAS Standby Force, consideration of pledges for ECOWAS Counter-terrorist Brigade and the rotation of Staff Officers of Peace Support Operation Divisions and ECOWAS Standby Force.
“Others were the presentation on the outcome of the Governmental Experts Meeting on the ECOWAS Logistics Concept and Standing Operating Procedures for ECOWAS Logistics Depot in Lungi.”
The CDS said the meeting provided an opportunity to review the report of the last ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Naval Staff Meeting, and a presentation on Standardization of the Table of Equipment for ECOWAS Standby Force.
“Our deliberations have been fruitful, productive and would definitely lead to concrete actions that will further strengthen our collective efforts towards achieving a more secure and prosperous Community,” he said.
