The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has raised a stern warning about the increasing menace of transnational terrorism affecting member countries, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to address growing security challenges in the region. Amb. Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, highlighted the alarming spread of terrorist attacks beyond traditional hotspots, posing significant threats to coastal nations and Sahelian countries alike.

Read also: Coups are major source of insecurity in West Africa, says ECOWAS

Grim statistics revealed over 3,500 incidents of terror attacks in 2023 alone, resulting in nearly 9,000 fatalities and widespread displacement across the region. The humanitarian crises triggered by these attacks, including food insecurity and internal displacement, have exacerbated existing challenges.

ECOWAS has proposed the deployment of the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) to combat terrorism, with plans for funding and operationalization under discussion by finance and defense ministers. Additionally, diplomatic engagements with member states facing threats of withdrawal aim to promote dialogue and reconciliation, lifting financial and economic sanctions while fostering stability and cohesion within the regional body.

While reiterating ECOWAS’s commitment to addressing member states’ concerns and fostering unity, Musah emphasized the importance of individual countries upholding their commitments and contributing effectively to collective efforts aimed at ensuring peace and stability in West Africa.