The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) leaders have committed to expediting the activation of a standby force to counter terrorism in regions affected by extremist groups. This decision was conveyed in a communiqué presented by Dr. Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, at the conclusion of the 64th ordinary session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS in Abuja on Sunday.
The leaders, led by President Bola Tinubu, expressed unwavering dedication to eradicating terrorism and other threats to regional peace, security, and stability. They announced plans for an extraordinary summit on unconstitutional changes of government, underscoring their commitment to fostering peace, security, and democracy in the region.
A committee of Heads of State has been formed to engage with the military junta, CMSP, in Niger Republic, with the objective of establishing a short transition roadmap and implementing monitoring mechanisms. The Authority assured a phased easing of sanctions contingent on the outcomes of these engagements, emphasizing the immediate and unconditional release of detained President Mohammed Bazoum.
The communiqué stated, “The Authority deeply deplores the continued detention of President Mohammed Bazoum, his family and associates by the CMSP regime,” and urged the CMSP to release them without preconditions.
In the event of non-compliance by the CMSP, ECOWAS reserved the right to maintain sanctions, including the use of force, and would seek support from the African Union and other partners to enforce targeted measures against CMSP members and their associates.
During the session, President Tinubu commended the ongoing efforts by member states and the ECOWAS Commission to consolidate democracy, peace, security, and stability in the region. The Authority acknowledged the peaceful elections in Nigeria, Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, and lauded the peaceful resolution of electoral disputes in Nigeria and Sierra Leone.
On the fight against terrorism, the leaders instructed the commission to accelerate the convening of a meeting of finance and defense ministers to agree on the mobilization of internal resources for the regional counterterrorism force. They endorsed the commencement of the Special Envoy on Counterterrorism, Ambassador Baba Kamara’s mission, and called for increased collaboration with sub-regional counterterrorism initiatives.
Concerning The Gambia, the Authority urged the government and stakeholders to hasten the adoption of a new constitution ahead of the 2026 general elections. The mandate of the ECOWAS mission in The Gambia was extended by one year to support the implementation of the white paper on Truth, Reparation, and Reconciliation Commission recommendations.
In response to recent violence in Guinea Bissau and an attempted coup in Sierra Leone, the leaders condemned the disruptions of constitutional order and expressed solidarity with affected nations. The ECOWAS stabilization support mission in Guinea Bissau was extended, and the commission was tasked with reviewing its mandate. The leaders called for a thorough investigation into the Sierra Leone coup attempt, emphasizing the implementation of agreements resulting from mediated dialogues.
Regarding Senegal, the ECOWAS Authority took note of preparations for the February 25, 2024 presidential election, urging inclusivity and transparency. The Senegalese government was called upon to adhere strictly to constitutional norms, ECOWAS protocols, and the rule of law during the electoral process.
