On Friday, the West African Chiefs of Defense Staff called for the reintegration of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso into the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The three nations, governed by military regimes, had withdrawn from ECOWAS earlier this year, citing the organization as a threat to its member states.
The Defense Chiefs, led by General Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s Chief of Defense Staff and Chairman of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defense Staff, emphasized the critical need for regional cooperation to effectively combat rising security challenges, particularly insurgency. During a meeting with Major General Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator of the Counter-terrorism Centre in Abuja, General Musa highlighted the importance of unity in addressing the region’s security issues, noting that no country can tackle these threats alone.
General Musa stressed that the reintegration of the three countries is vital, as their continued isolation could weaken the region’s collective security efforts. He also underscored the urgency of addressing the escalating insurgency, calling for a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to achieve lasting peace.
Major General Laka echoed the importance of regional collaboration in combating terrorism, advocating for the exchange of experiences and expertise among West African nations. He highlighted the advanced capabilities of Nigeria’s Counter-terrorism Centre, which includes state-of-the-art forensic facilities, as key assets in the fight against terrorism.
The Defense Chiefs agreed on the necessity of working together to ensure stability and progress in West Africa, reaffirming their commitment to regional security and development.
News Editor