Islamic organization seeks collaboration with ECOWAS for security conference

With the implementation of regional counter-terrorism measures and the need to engage other non-kinetic methods in the fight against violent extremism, the Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya, an Islamic organization with a global network, is seeking to collaborate with ECOWAS on organizing a regional conference on security and governance.

The organization aims to partner with the ECOWAS Commission for an impactful hosting of a West African Islamic Conference on security and governance in Abuja, Nigeria's capital.

Conferring with the ECOWAS Commission’s Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Dr. Abdel-Fatau Musah, on July 10, 2024, in Abuja, the Director-General of Ansarideen Global Resources Foundation, Dr. Sayyidi Muhammad Yahaya, stated that the proposed conference has become necessary following the realization that persistent terrorism and violent extremism in the region are partly tied to vulnerable youth being continuously recruited by individuals with criminal intentions.

Harping on the need to bridge the gap between Western and Islamic education, Dr. Sayyidi Muhammad Yahaya emphasized addressing central challenges such as “misquoting of the Quran and misrepresentation of Islam.”

Reflecting on the theme of the planned regional conference – The role of Islamic organizations in countering terrorism and violent extremism in West Africa and the Sahel – he noted it was important not only to develop empowerment programs but also to have a model for countering terrorism and de-radicalization by bringing influential stakeholders together to chart a new path toward peaceful coexistence in the region.

Responding, Dr. Abdel-Fatau Musah restated ECOWAS’ commitment to peace and security. Recognizing the need to deal responsibly with youth who constitute about 65 percent of the region's population, he noted that terrorism and violent extremism are symptoms of a global malaise that has seen the Sahel becoming an epicenter. Stressing that West Africa is on a time bomb if youth agency cannot be tapped for peace and stability, he pledged ECOWAS' readiness to collaborate with Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya in organizing the regional conference.

Both sides decided to designate focal points for facilitating subsequent interactions.