By Joy Odor
The Chairman, ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council (MSC) and the Minister of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar has on Wednesday called for a more concerted strategy to tackle the growing incidences of terrorism, extreme violence, transborder crimes and humanitarian crises in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The Minister made the call at the 53rd Session of the MSC meeting holding at the Ministerial Level in Abuja that offers a critical opportunity to evolve collective security architecture to tackle the threats.
Declaring the session open, Amb. Tuggar said the escalating threats of terrorism, violent extremism, and transnational organized crime pose a shared burden that no single country can confront alone.
These, according to him, challenges underscore the necessity of collective action and regional cooperation.
“As the ECOWAS Regional Action Plan on the Fight Against Terrorism concludes this year, this meeting offers a critical opportunity to chart a forward-looking strategy to bolster our collective security architecture and sustain the momentum in addressing these threats.
“Our region also faces a dire humanitarian situation, with millions affected by displacement, food insecurity, and climate-related disasters, including devastating floods.
“It is imperative that we intensify efforts to address these challenges comprehensively, with a view to ensuring that no community is left behind.
“Today’s agenda also includes critical discussions on the operationalization of the National Early Warning and Response Centres and a presentation by GIABA on combating money laundering and terrorist financing, both are essential to strengthening regional resilience against emerging threats.”
The Agenda before the meeting, he noted has highlighted the pressing challenges in the region, including “political situation in Member States, where transitions, electoral processes, and governance deficits demand our concerted attention.
“Political stability, as we all recognize, is the foundation of sustainable development and regional integration. It provides the conditions necessary for peace, security, and economic growth.
“Without stability, the aspirations of our people for prosperity and progress will remain unfulfilled. Thus, we must redouble efforts to strengthen governance frameworks and promote inclusive, peaceful political transitions.” he stated
Despite the challenges faced in the sub-region, Amb. Tuggar however noted that so much progress has been achieved in the sub-region.
“Despite these challenges, it is essential to recognize the progress we have collectively achieved. A notable milestone is the significant improvement in maritime security within the ECOWAS Maritime Domain (EMD), where no piracy incidents were reported in 2024.
“This success is attributed to enhanced maritime infrastructure deployment and the successful SAFE DOMAIN III operation conducted by Benin, Nigeria, and Togo, which safeguarded critical infrastructure and deterred illegal activities.”
The success of the exercise, he said, has showcased the power of regional collaboration.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs also disclosed that the efforts to operationalize the ECOWAS Standby Force is steadily advancing.
“We have already received cost implications for its activation, and at this session, we anticipate updates from the ECOWAS Commission on the modalities for mobilizing the required resources to make this initiative a reality.”
He also informed the members that Nigeria has engaged key stakeholders, including the African Union, the United Nations, and Member States, to develop comprehensive strategies to address the challenges confronting our region, in line with the Authority’s directive to maintain regional unity.
These engagements, he said, have reinforced the critical importance of solidarity and partnership in securing lasting peace and stability.
“As we look ahead, let us remain mindful that peace and stability in West Africa are prerequisites for the prosperity and development of our region. I call on all Member States to renew their commitment to working together in solidarity and shared purpose to overcome the challenges we face and to build a more secure, peaceful, and prosperous West Africa.” he stated
Amb Tuggar also commended the Republic of Ghana for the successful conduct of its presidential and parliamentary elections on 7th December 2024.
The achievement, he said, has reaffirmed Ghana’s unwavering commitment to democratic governance and serving as an enduring inspiration to the region.
He also congratulationd the Government and people of the Republic of Senegal for their steadfastness in consolidating democratic governance, through their recent parliamentary elections.
“Let me also commend the ECOWAS Commission for its crucial role in supporting Ghana, Senegal, and other Member States in their electoral processes. These efforts have significantly strengthened democratic principles across our region.
“I urge the Commission to continue supporting Member States in this regard, with a view to promoting peace and stability in our region.
On his part, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu TOURAY, said there is so much to celebrate as ECOWAS prepares to mark its Golden Jubilee in the year 2025.
According to him, the sub-region is also faced with the impending withdrawal of some member states from the Community.
“While it is essential to reflect on the significant achievements made by ECOWAS over the past decades, it is also important to reflect on the future of the community with our people separated by political exigencies.
“Indeed, we have a lot to celebrate: our common economic space where our people can move, settle and do business without difficulties, supported by our common identity as ECOWAS Citizens holding either a common passport or biometric identification card.
“We can also celebrate our solidarity and support for one another through infrastructure development, disaster relief and recovery assistance, diplomacy, mediation and security interventions for stability, peace and security.
“On all accounts, ECOWAS is a success story, even if this is often not properly communicated and disseminated to wider audiences.” he stated
He expressed appreciation to His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government for providing the facilities to hold the meeting in Abuja.
The President of the ECOWAS Commission also commended the leadership of Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, for his guidance, particularly in responding to ongoing challenges in the region and in preparing for the 53rd Session of the Mediation and Security Council.
