In order to maintain peace and stability in the subregion, Chiefs of Defence Staff in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have been encouraged by Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru to create new military plans and organise regional security.
Additionally, the minister charged them to create plans that would guarantee efficient responses to new dangers on the continent.
Badaru delivered this speech on Wednesday in Abuja during the 42nd meeting of the ECOWAS chiefs of defence staff.
The minister stated that putting an end to insecurity in the sub-region and other areas of Africa required their military expertise and strategic vision.
He said: “This meeting is a further testament of our collective and resolute commitment to the peace, security and stability of our region.
“The role of the ECOWAS committee of chiefs of defence staff cannot be overstated as we develop new military strategies and coordinate regional security, ensuring peace, stability and effective responses to emerging threats.
“In these times of rapidly evolving challenges, your military knowledge and strategic foresight are crucial. Your capacity to devise solutions is more essential than ever as we strive to protect our security and uphold the maintenance of regional peace, stability and security, as inclusively stated under the fundamental principles.
“As we gather in Abuja beginning from today for this meeting, it is important that you deeply reflect on the rapidly evolving complex security situation in our region.
“The threats we face are multi-faceted, ranging from violence, terrorism and insurgency to organised crime and piracy.
“As the vanguard of our peace and security efforts, your strategies, decisions and actions are vital in determining our security landscape and architecture.
“Furthermore, the recent destabilising events in some of our member-states, marked by unconstitutional changes in government, remind us of the fragile nature of our democratic institutions and the urgency for robust and coordinated responses.
“This meeting, therefore, presents an opportunity (for us) to share insights, exchange ideas and strengthen our partnerships to enhance our capacities and also address the security challenges we face.”
As the event’s special guest of honour, Badaru gave the committee advice on how to proceed with negotiating a reference with two contributing nations for the ECOWAS Stabilisation Mission’s deployment in Sierra Leone.
“Operationalisation of the Regional Standby Force for Counter-Terrorism, as well as the ongoing peace support operation in The Gambia, South Africa, and other sister-countries,” was another demand made by the minister.
