ECOWAS is preparing standby force to combat terrorism and is also taking steps to alleviate sanctions on Niger Republic

The leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have decided to thoroughly examine plans to deploy a standby force for counterterrorism operations in regions where terrorist organisations are heavily present.

Following the 64th ordinary session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS on Sunday in Abuja, a communiqué read by Dr. Omar Touray, President of ECOWAS Commission, stated that the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to eliminating terrorism and other threats to peace, security, and stability in the region.

Additionally, they decided to organise an unprecedented conference on unconstitutional government changes with the goal of advancing democracy, security, and peace throughout the region.

The group was instructed by the ECOWAS leaders to do a thorough analysis and investigate the feasibility of holding the emergency summit.

A committee of heads of state was formed by the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, led by President Bola Tinubu, to discuss the necessity for a rapid transition roadmap and the placement of monitoring mechanisms with CMSP, the military junta in the Niger Republic.

The Authority pledged a progressive relaxation of penalties based on the outcomes of the engagement, according to a statement issued by Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu’s Special Advisor on Media and Publicity. The statement emphasised the need for the prompt and unconditional release of detained President Mohammed Bazoum.

The CMSP regime’s ongoing arrest of President Mohammed Bazoum, his family, and allies is greatly regretted by the Authority.

The Authority also regrets the CMSP’s lack of dedication to reestablishing constitutional order. As a result, the Authority demands that President Mohammed Bazoum, his family, and associates be released promptly and without hindrance from the CMSP.

In order to collaborate with the CMSP and other stakeholders, the Authority resolves to form a committee of Heads of State composed of the President and Head of State of the Republic of Togo, the President and Head of State of the Republic of Sierra Leone, and the President and Head of State of the Republic of Benin. The committee will also be tasked with establishing transition organs and facilitating the establishment of a transition monitoring and evaluation mechanism in order to expeditiously restore constitutional order.

The Committee of Heads of State’s participation with the CMSP will determine the extent to which the Authority can gradually lift the sanctions against Niger.

“ECOWAS shall maintain all sanctions, including the use of force, and shall request the African Union and all other partners to enforce the targeted sanctions on members of the CMSP and their associates in the event that the CMSP fails to comply with the outcomes of the engagement with the committee,” the communique stated.

The regional leaders applauded the ECOWAS commission’s and member nations’ efforts to strengthen democracy, peace, security, and stability in the region during the meeting, which was presided over by President Bola Tinubu.

The Authority welcomed the peaceful resolution of the electoral dispute in Nigeria and the peaceful conclusion of the talks between the opposition and the government in the Republic of Sierra Leone. In particular, the Authority noted the peaceful elections that were held throughout the year in Nigeria, Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone, and Liberia.

The leaders directed the commission to expedite the meeting of finance and defence ministers to decide on the terms for the mandatory mobilisation of internal financial, human, and material resources to support the deployment of the regional counterterrorism force. This was done in order to combat terrorism and other security-related issues.

“The Authority directs the commission to facilitate the mission of Special Envoy on Counterterrorism, Ambassador Baba Kamara, and notes that he has begun his assignment.”

The communique stated: “The Authority urges member states to increase funding for joint maritime operations and exercises in the region and to improve coordination and collaboration among various ministries, departments, and agencies responsible for maritime security. The commission is directed by the Authority to intensify collaboration with sub-regional counterterrorism initiatives, such as the Accra initiative and MTJN.”

The Authority pleaded on the government and interested parties in The Gambia to move quickly to execute the Truth, Reparation, and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendations outlined in the white paper and to ratify the new constitution in advance of the general elections in 2026.

They gave the ECOWAS mission in The Gambia a one-year mandate extension and directed it to keep assisting The Gambia with implementing the white paper and necessary defence on security sector reforms.

Regarding Guinea-Bissau, the leaders vehemently denounced the violence that broke out there on December 1, 2023, as well as any efforts to subvert the nation’s constitutional order and legal system.

They sent support for the nation’s people and the constitutional authority of Guinea-Bissau, commending the deed of the devoted security personnel in the country.

The commission was directed to take action to assess the mission’s mandate while the ECOWAS stabilisation support mission in Guinea Bissau was extended.

The leaders of Sierra Leone condemned the attempted coup on November 26, 2023, expressed regret for the lives lost and the property destroyed, and demanded an open and transparent inquiry to find the offenders and bring them to justice.

They encouraged all parties and stakeholders to execute the deal in good faith within the allotted timeframe, and they welcomed the signing of the accord for national unity that emerged from mediated talks between the government and the opposition party in Sierra Leone.

The committee was instructed by ECOWAS leaders to keep helping Sierra Leone and to make it easier for an ECOWAS standby security operation to be deployed for stabilisation.

Regarding Senegal, the Authority of Heads of State and Government observed that the nation was getting ready for its February 25, 2024, presidential election and urged inclusiveness and openness in the electoral process.

They urged the Senegalese government and all relevant parties to handle the electoral processes with full adherence to the rule of law, ECOWAS protocols, and constitutional standards.