ECOWAS Defence Chiefs seek return of Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso
The Chiefs of Defence Staff from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have called for the reinstatement of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso into the regional bloc, emphasising that their return is crucial for addressing the escalating insecurity and insurgency plaguing the region.
During a visit to the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Abuja on Friday, the Chairman of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff and Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, underscored the importance of unity among West African nations in the fight against terrorism and other security threats.
General Musa disclosed that ongoing efforts are being made by ECOWAS Defence Chiefs to reintegrate the three countries into the bloc, reiterating that a collective approach is vital for curbing the widespread insecurity that has destabilised parts of West Africa.
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“The return of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso is not just necessary, it is imperative for us to effectively counter the insurgencies that threaten the stability of our region,” General Musa stated. He called for all member states to work together in this endeavour, emphasising that the battle against terrorism requires coordinated efforts and shared resources.
Major General Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator of the Counter-Terrorism Centre, who hosted the ECOWAS Defence Chiefs, echoed these sentiments. He highlighted the need for enhanced cooperation among West African nations to effectively combat terrorism.
“Sharing experiences and strategies is one of the key ways we can defeat terrorism in our region,” General Laka said, pointing to the importance of collective security measures.
