ECOWAS set to activate standby force to tackle terrorism, prepares to relax sanctions on Niger

The ECOWAS has again pledged its commitment to fighting terrorism in the region as it prepares a counterterrorism force to battle the scourge. The body, in a summit held in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, also considered easing sanctions on Niger while demanding unconditional release of detained President Mohammed Bazoum…

ECOWAS leaders have resolved to urgently review efforts to activate a standby force for counterterrorism operations in areas infested by terrorist groups.

A communiqué read by Dr. Omar Touray, President of ECOWAS Commission, at the end of the 64th ordinary session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS, on Sunday in Abuja, nigeria’s capital, said the leaders reiterated their commitment to the eradication of terrorism and other threats to peace, security, and stability in the region.

They also resolved to hold an extraordinary summit on unconstitutional changes of government aimed at promoting peace, security, and democracy in the region.

The Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, chaired by President Bola Tinubu, established a committee of Heads of State to engage with the military junta in Niger Republic, on the need for a short transition roadmap and the emplacement of monitoring mechanisms.

The Authority promised a gradual easing of sanctions based on outcomes of the engagement, emphasizing the need for the immediate and unconditional release of detained President Mohammed Bazoum.

At the meeting, the regional leaders commended the efforts being made by member states and the ECOWAS commission to work on the consolidation of democracy, peace, security, and stability in the region.

The Authority noted, in particular, the peaceful elections that took place during the year in Nigeria, Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, and welcomed the peaceful resolution of the electoral dispute in Nigeria.

Condemning the attempted coup in Sierra Leone on November 26, 2023, the leaders expressed sadness over the loss of lives and destruction of property and called for a thorough and transparent investigation to identify and bring perpetrators to justice.

ECOWAS leaders directed the commission to continue supporting Sierra Leone and facilitate the deployment of an ECOWAS standby security mission for stabilization.