CDS urges West African defence chiefs to uphold democratic values

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has said the change of government by the military in West African countries has had unintended consequences and threatened their democratic values in the region.

Musa added that the threat of a military takeover of the government must be destroyed, adding that it negated the core responsibilities of the military profession.

The CDS spoke during a meeting with West African Defence Chiefs in Abuja on Wednesday.

Musa stated that in democratic countries, the military must uphold democratic values in line with their constitutions.

He said, “Recent challenges like the military coup in some countries in the region have had unintended consequences and have threatened our collective democratic values.

“This threat must be destroyed as it negates our core responsibilities as military professionals. Let me, therefore, use this opportunity to emphasise that, as democratic countries, we in the military must uphold democratic values in line with our various constitutions. “

He noted that the meeting would prevent coups and ensure peace and sustainable development for citizens in West Africa.

Musa said, “I am also optimistic that this meeting will assist us in preventing such abnormalities while strengthening our collective resolve to bring about peace and sustainable development to our people.

“Accordingly, the complexity of this meeting demands that we leverage our collective efforts, share intelligence and coordinate our efforts across borders if we must solve these challenges.

“Thus, collaboration is paramount and I encourage you to address both the root causes and symptoms of this security in our region. It is on this premise that the agenda for this meeting was carefully crafted to focus on critical areas and build in for our previous engagements.”

The CDS added that “some of these critical areas include the proposed Air Force Security Support Mission in Sierra Leone and the activation of the Air Force Standby Force against terrorism.

“Other issues in line for deliberations are the development of the Air Force Logistics Depot in Sierra Leone and Air Force Peace Support Operations. As we embark on today’s discussions, I must remind us all that your insights and experiences are paramount to support our shared mission.”

Musa said terrorism, insurgency, organised crime, violence, unconstitutional takeover of government and threatened national security also undermined the socio-economic development of the entire region.

He said, “Your presence here reflects a shared commitment and dedication towards living in a sustainable environment for the safety and well-being of our people. It demonstrates a collective drive to address the various community threats affecting the region through deliberate and concerted collaborative efforts. As leaders in our respective armed forces, we are all aware of the threats that confront our nations and regions.

“These threats include terrorism, insurgency, organized crime, violence, education, and recently, unconstitutional takeover of government and national politics. These challenges not only threaten our national security but also undermine the social fabric and socio-economic development of the entire region. “