The Chiefs of Defence Staff in West Africa called on Friday for the return of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to the regional bloc. In January, these three military-led nations withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), accusing the organization of posing a threat to its member states. The regional Defence Chiefs emphasized that their reintegration is essential for tackling the security challenges, particularly insurgency, affecting the region.
During a visit to Major General Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator of the Counter-Terrorism Centre in Abuja, Gen. Christopher Musa, Chairman of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff and Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff, highlighted ongoing efforts to reintegrate the three countries. Musa stressed that collective action is vital for addressing West Africa’s insecurity.
He stated, “Without security, there can’t be progress. The threats we face, especially from insurgency, are severe, and it’s crucial for us to partner together for success. No country can handle this alone, and their return is essential for our collective stability. We recognize the importance of working together and appreciate the National Coordinator’s commendable efforts since taking office in April.”
Musa, acknowledging the rapid spread of insurgency, urged the Defence Chiefs to address the issue comprehensively. “Insurgency is expanding quickly. We must act decisively to prevent it from escalating further. We are committed to working together to ensure peace in our region.”
Major General Adamu Laka emphasized the need for cooperation among West African countries to combat terrorism effectively. He highlighted the importance of sharing experiences and strategies to address insecurity.
Laka remarked, “We must collaborate with our West African neighbors and Sahel partners. Learning from one another is crucial, as instability in one area can impact others. We aim to partner with Abidjan and other centers to tackle terrorism. Sharing experiences and resources is key to overcoming these threats.”
He added that the Counter-Terrorism Centre is equipped with advanced facilities, including forensic, toxicology, fingerprint, DNA, and handwriting laboratories, to enhance terrorism investigations and responses.
