ECOWAS defence chief to activate standby troops

Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa said on Friday that West African Defence Chiefs had agreed to activate the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) standby force.

Musa told reporters that the decision was taken at the end of the 42nd Ordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff held between Wednesday and Friday in Abuja.

The CDS, who is the Chairman of the committee, commended the defence chiefs for their commitment, dedication and contributions throughout the meeting.

He said the defense chiefs put forward important ideas, discussions and creative solutions that would shape the security landscape of West Africa.

West African leaders moved in August last year to activate standby troops in a bid to force the military junta that ousted President Mohammed Bazoum to restore constitutional order in the landlocked country.

Musa said: “So, the main discussions during this conference included the proposed ECOWAS security support in Sierra Leone and the activation of the ECOWAS standby force.

“In addition, we also discussed issues related to the operationalization of our logistics deployment in Sierra Leone and other ECOWAS peace support operations.

“More importantly are the pledges made by member states regarding commitment and resources towards the activation of the ECOWAS standby force and security support mission and Sierra Leone among other countries.”

The CDS expressed confidence that the extraordinary ideas and noble solutions put forward at the meeting would enhance the individual and collective capacity of the defence chiefs to face and support contemporary and futuristic security challenges.

He expressed regret that Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger were not present at the meeting, and said efforts were underway to return them to the regional bloc.

“They are brothers and sisters and we look forward to their safe return to the ecosystem because as a nation, no nation can survive the challenges we face today.

“We need to work as a team because together we are stronger.

“It is also important for us to continue to encourage collaboration between other countries by reducing differences, sharing resources, and leveraging each other’s strengths to maximize impact and achieve common goals,” he added.

ECOWAS defence chief to activate standby troops first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.