The ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff (CCDS) convened in Abuja for their 42nd Ordinary Meeting, reaffirming their commitment to addressing the security challenges threatening political stability and socio-economic well-being in the region. The meeting emphasized cooperation through experience sharing, intelligence exchange, and collective efforts in combating terrorism and other forms of transnational organized crime. The Defence Chiefs expressed their resolve to pool resources and strengthen their determination to protect stability and democratic governance in West Africa.
The meeting was held at the National Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria, from August 7 to 9, 2024. It was chaired by General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff of Nigeria and Chairman of the CCDS, with support from H.E. Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security. During the meeting, the Chiefs discussed their state of readiness focusing on capabilities, personnel, and logistics of their armed forces. This preparation is part of the ongoing operationalization of the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF). The agenda also included discussions on security missions and logistical requirements.
In response to a directive from the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government at its 64th Ordinary Summit held in Abuja on December 10, 2023 regarding a security mission to Sierra Leone, the Defence Chiefs approved a mission with a strength of 1,200 personnel. They made pledges towards raising this force including establishing a Force Headquarters and Joint Intelligence Fusion Centre. The state of readiness at the ECOWAS Logistics Depot at Lungi was also reviewed.
Regarding the activation of the ESF to fight terrorism in the region, the Defence Chiefs reiterated their commitment to raising an overall 5,000-man ESF starting with a 1,650-man Counter-Terrorism Brigade as an immediate priority. The ECOWAS Ministers of Finance are scheduled to meet later this month to finalize funding modalities for equipping this force.
On the margins of the meeting, the Chiefs paid a courtesy visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who commended them for their commitment to regional security. He assured them that necessary resources would be provided for executing their mandate while emphasizing unity within the Community. Additionally, they visited Nigeria's National Counterterrorism Centre where partnerships were forged.
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