The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is moving to establish a joint counter-terrorism force as part of a renewed and more robust strategy to combat the pervasive threat of violent extremism across the sub-region.
This significant disclosure was made by the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, and President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, during the 68th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority held at the State House, Abuja, on Sunday.
President Bio expressed deep concern over the proliferation of terror groups exploiting the fragility of the region’s borders to carry out cross-border attacks and destabilise member states.
He stressed that the proposed joint security force is intended to strengthen collective defence mechanisms, enhance coordinated responses among ECOWAS countries, increase border cooperation to counter terrorism and encourage closer intelligence sharing and coordinated military action.
The move signals a commitment to intensify political and military action to safeguard lives and restore stability across the region.
In a separate announcement focused on regional economic integration, President Bio also disclosed the appointment of the President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, as the pioneer Chairman of the ECOWAS Business Council.
The new Council is designed to:
- Serve as a platform for structured engagement between the public and private sectors.
- Strengthen private-sector participation in the regional bloc’s economic integration agenda.
- Deepen cross-border investments and mobilise business leaders in support of ECOWAS development objectives.
- Focus on boosting trade, industrialisation, and economic resilience across West Africa.