By Mackie M. Jalloh
In a decisive gathering that concluded on August 9, 2024, in Abuja, the Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff (CCDS) of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held its 42nd Ordinary Meeting. The discussions were centered around the pressing security concerns in West Africa, with a particular focus on Sierra Leone, a nation facing escalating challenges that demand urgent attention.
Over the course of three days, the Defence Chiefs evaluated the state of the region’s security infrastructure, honing in on the near-completion of the ECOWAS Logistics Depot at Lungi, Sierra Leone. The facility, now over 90% finished, stands as a crucial element in ECOWAS’s broader security strategy. General Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff and current Chairman of the CCDS, hailed the progress of the Depot as a pivotal achievement. “This development signifies our collective readiness to respond to the security needs of the region,” General Musa asserted, marking the Depot’s nearing completion as a testament to regional cooperation.
A significant outcome of the meeting was the planned deployment of an ECOWAS Security Mission to Sierra Leone, which will see 1,200 personnel dispatched to the nation. This mission, mandated during the 64th Ordinary Summit of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in December 2023, aims to stabilize the situation in Sierra Leone and strengthen its security apparatus. H. E. Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, reaffirmed the organization’s unwavering support for Sierra Leone. “Our dedication to Sierra Leone’s stability is resolute. ECOWAS stands ready to provide the necessary assistance to ensure peace and security,” Musah emphasized.
The Defence Chiefs also turned their attention to the growing menace of terrorism within the region. They recommitted to the activation of the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF), with immediate plans to establish a 1,650-man Counter-Terrorism Brigade. This Brigade is a crucial component of a larger, 5,000-strong force designed to combat the spread of terrorism across West Africa. General Musa underscored the importance of a unified regional approach, stating, “No nation can face the scourge of terrorism alone. It requires a collective effort.”
In a show of solidarity and support, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with the Defence Chiefs, lauding their efforts and reiterating Nigeria’s commitment to the region’s security. “Your work is vital to preserving the security and democratic values that underpin our region. Nigeria will continue to support your mission with the necessary resources,” President Tinubu affirmed.
The meeting concluded with the Defence Chiefs visiting the Nigerian National Counterterrorism Center, where they explored strategies to enhance collaborative efforts in combating terrorism. As the region looks ahead, the Lungi Logistics Depot is poised to play a crucial role in ECOWAS’s efforts to maintain stability in Sierra Leone and across West Africa.
