The ECOWAS Commission is organizing the 42nd Ordinary Meeting of the Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff (CCDS) in Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria from August 7 to 9, 2024. This meeting is being held against a backdrop of rising incidents involving Terrorist Armed Groups (TAGs), Violent Extremist Groups (VEGs), Transnational Organized Crimes (TOCs), and cyber misinformation and disinformation that continue to undermine peace and security in the region. The Central Sahel remains the epicenter of TAGs and VEGs, while littoral Member States are grappling with pressure from terrorists advancing towards the Atlantic.
The meeting will deliberate on the general security situation in the ECOWAS Region, particularly focusing on the growing menace of terrorism.
Specific objectives include considering and adopting the CONOPS for the ECOWAS Security Support Mission in Sierra Leone, updating on the activation of the ECOWAS Standby Force to fight terrorism, developing the ECOWAS Logistics Depot, rotating staff officers of ECOWAS Peace Support Operations Division and ECOWAS Standby Force.
During the opening ceremony, Minister of Defence Mr. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar called on the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff to strengthen their security cooperation to enhance their defense capabilities against any security threat. He encouraged open dialogue, shared expertise, and collaborative solutions.
Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security Amb. Abdel-Fatau Musah stated that "the second meeting was implemented as a result of actual political developments in the region." According to him, convening this ordinary session has become important as it allows them to review evolving security environments with a view to repositioning defense architecture adequately.
Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa affirmed Nigeria's Armed Forces' unwavering commitment to ensuring security and upholding democratic governance in West Africa. He noted that "the security challenges in nations and regions posed a threat which includes terrorism, organized crime, violent extremism."
Minister of Interior Mr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo welcomed participants from member states and wished them successful sessions.
Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Yusuf Tuga said “the meeting is a further testament to our collective commitment to securing stability in our region.” He emphasized that "the role of ECOWAS staff cannot be overstated," highlighting their importance in developing emergency strategies and coordinating regional security responses.
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