ECOWAS defence chiefs to activate standby force

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, said on Friday that West African Chiefs of Defence have agreed to activate the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) standby force.
Musa told journalists 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 contribution throughout the meeting.
He said the defence chiefs came up with notable ideas, discussions and creative solutions that would define the West African security landscape.
The West African leaders in August last year moved to activate the standby force in a bid to force the military junta that toppled President Mohammed Bazoum to restore constitutional order in the landlocked nation.
Musa said: “So, key discussion during this conference covered the proposed ECOWAS security support in Sierra Leone and the activation of the ECOWAS standby force.
“Furthermore, we deliberated on issues pertaining to the operationalisation of our logistic deployment in Sierra Leone and other ECOWAS peace support operations amongst others.
“More importantly are the pledges made by member states commitment and resources towards activation of the ECOWAS standby force and security support mission and Sierra Leone among others.”
The CDS expressed confidence that incredible ideas and noble solutions proffered at the meeting would enhance the defence chiefs’ individual and collective capacity to confront and support contemporary and futuristic security challenges.
He expressed regret that Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger were absent from the meeting, saying efforts were on to return them to the regional bloc.
“They are brothers and we look forward to when they will come back safely into the ecosystem because as nations, no one nation can withstand the current challenges that we have.
“We need to work as a team because we are stronger together.
“It is also imperative that we continue to encourage collaboration among other countries by reducing differences, sharing resources and leveraging each other’s strengths to maximise our impact and achieve shared objects,” he added.
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