Approximately thirty experts have convened in Kano, Nigeria, from June 3 to 7, 2024, to review the logistics concept and existing statutes, policies, and strategic instruments related to the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) and the African Standby Force (ASF). The workshop aims to update, harmonize, and finalize the policy on ECOWAS Logistics Bases in accordance with AU/UN principles.
Organized by the Peace Support Operations Division (POSD) of the Defence, Peacekeeping, and Regional Security Division of the ECOWAS Commission, this five-day event seeks to incorporate regional expertise into the ECOWAS Logistics Concept. Additionally, it will review and adopt a standardized organizational chart for the ECOWAS Logistics Depot (ELD).
In his welcome address, Dr. Cyriaque P. Agenekethom, Director of Peacekeeping and Regional Security (DPKRS), read by Dr. Sani Adamu, Acting Head of POSD, emphasized the need to strengthen the ESF Logistics Concept established in 2005. He noted that this concept provides a platform for coordinating key logistics support and procedures for the ESF while guiding logistics requirements for Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs), ECOWAS, and partners.
"To efficiently deploy the ESF when needed," said Dr. Agenekethom, "ECOWAS has decided to establish a multi-dimensional logistics depot in Lungi, Sierra Leone, and a humanitarian logistics depot in Senou, Mali."
Dr. Agenekethom called on participants to leverage their extensive experience to develop enriched documents that address current challenges and align with international best practices. This would enhance the operational capacity of the ESF within a robust regional security framework.
He expressed gratitude to all partners—including the European Union, German Government, and GIZ—for their support in implementing the ECOWAS Peace and Security Architecture and Operations (EPSAO) project.
The Commissioner of Police for Kano State Command welcomed participants to Kano City and assured them of full support from local law enforcement. He encouraged active engagement from all attendees for a productive session.
The workshop saw participation from representatives of ECOWAS Member States as well as experts from organizations such as the African Union Commission (AUC), UNOUA, TCEs.
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