On Wednesday, the Defence Chiefs from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) gathered in Abuja for their 42nd Ordinary Meeting. This crucial meeting, chaired by Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, is a significant event in the region’s security calendar.
Notably, the Chiefs from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso were absent, following their countries’ earlier decisions to withdraw from ECOWAS in 2024. Their absence may influence discussions, particularly on addressing the security void and tackling emerging threats linked to political instability.
The agenda includes evaluating regional security and deliberating on the proposed establishment of a force aimed at countering security challenges. General Musa emphasized the importance of upholding democratic values and highlighted the need for regional intelligence sharing to address complex security issues effectively.
Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, noted that the meeting’s delay was due to political upheavals, including recent coups. This additional time has allowed for a thorough review of the previous meeting’s decisions.
Other key attendees included Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru, Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, Senate Defence Committee Chairman Ahmed Lawan, and House Defence Committee Chairman. The National Security Adviser’s representative was also present.
The meeting marks a critical step in addressing regional security concerns and fostering collaborative efforts among West African nations.
