By Parrot Newspaper 
ECOWAS Defence Chiefs Meeting Ends in Abuja
By Parrot Newspaper
ABUJA – The 43rd Ordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff (CCDS) has concluded in Abuja, marking a significant step toward enhancing regional security. The high-level meeting, which spanned three days, focused on strengthening military cooperation, addressing security threats, and establishing a dedicated ECOWAS Counter-Terrorism Brigade.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, who also serves as the chairman of the ECOWAS CCDS, emphasized the urgent need for a coordinated response to growing security challenges. According to him, deliberations were forthright, yielding a collective resolve to confront the instability plaguing West Africa.
Key Resolutions: Strengthening Regional Security
Among the critical resolutions reached during the meeting were:
1. Deployment of the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF): The regional bloc reaffirmed its commitment to operationalizing the ESF, a rapid intervention force aimed at addressing armed conflicts and peacekeeping missions across the subregion.
2. Establishment of an ECOWAS Counter-Terrorism Brigade: A specialized unit will be formed to tackle the growing threats posed by insurgents, terrorists, and armed groups destabilizing West African nations.
3. Rotation of Peace Support Officers: A strategic framework will be adopted to ensure experienced personnel continuously rotate within Peace Support Operations, strengthening effectiveness on the ground.
A Unified Response to Insecurity
General Musa highlighted that the discussions underscored critical vulnerabilities within the region and emphasized the necessity for collective action. Despite differences among member states, he noted, there was a shared determination to safeguard citizens from security threats.
“The spirit of this gathering is rooted in a firm commitment to our primary obligation as members of the armed and defence forces of our respective countries—to defend and protect our people from harm and insecurity,” Musa stated.
The meeting also reviewed pledges for the ECOWAS Standby Force, examined logistical challenges, and discussed the outcomes of the Governmental Experts Meeting on the ECOWAS Logistics Concept. Additionally, there was a report review from the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Naval Staff Meeting, further strengthening maritime security strategies.
Tinubu, Defence Ministers Back Regional Security Efforts
In his closing remarks, General Musa expressed gratitude to the Chairman of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his leadership in facilitating the meeting. He also commended the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, for his support.
The meeting was attended by high-ranking defence officials, including Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Ikechukwu Ogalla; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar; and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Agbetokun. Defence chiefs from Benin, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Senegal, and Togo were also present.
The Road Ahead
With terrorism, banditry, and transnational crime threatening the stability of West Africa, the resolutions reached at the 43rd ECOWAS CCDS meeting signal a renewed commitment to regional security. However, implementation remains key, as ECOWAS has faced challenges in mobilizing and deploying forces in the past.
As West African nations gear up to combat terrorism and instability, the success of these initiatives will depend on political will, funding, and sustained military cooperation. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether ECOWAS can translate these resolutions into tangible security improvements for the region.