Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has called on the chiefs of defence staff from ECOWAS member states to develop new military strategies and coordinate regional security efforts to ensure peace and stability across West Africa. Speaking at the 42nd meeting of ECOWAS defence chiefs in Abuja, Badaru emphasized the importance of their expertise and strategic foresight in addressing the region’s security challenges.
Badaru stressed the need for innovative approaches to respond effectively to emerging threats on the continent. He stated, “This meeting demonstrates our collective commitment to the peace, security, and stability of our region. The role of the ECOWAS committee of chiefs of defence staff is crucial as we develop new military strategies and coordinate regional security.”
He highlighted the diverse threats facing the region, including violence, terrorism, insurgency, organized crime, and piracy. He underscored the importance of the defence chiefs’ strategies, decisions, and actions in shaping the security landscape. Badaru also pointed out the recent destabilizing events in some member states, emphasizing the need for robust and coordinated responses to protect democratic institutions.
Badaru commended the committee for their work on a project document detailing the use of internal, financial, human, and material resources for the deployment of a Regional Counter-Terrorism Force. He informed the gathering that the Mediation and Security Council at the ministerial level had reviewed the proposal, which received high praise.
He urged the committee to expedite references with contributing countries towards deploying the ECOWAS Stabilization Mission in Sierra Leone and operationalizing the Regional Standby Force for Counter-Terrorism and ongoing peace support operations in The Gambia and other countries.
Badaru concluded by emphasizing the importance of raising necessary funds internally to foster a sense of ownership and ensure sustainability. He assured the defence chiefs that his leadership would prioritize the application of the Standby Force for Counter-Terrorism efforts once the finance experts and ministers finalize their meetings.
