ECOWAS is accelerating efforts to launch a long-delayed regional counter-terrorism force as extremist violence surges across parts of West Africa. The regional bloc says preparations are now ‘in full gear’, with troop contributions expected and funding talks underway.
The update came from ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray during an interview with France 24, published Wednesday, and reported by AFP.
‘Countries have indicated their preparedness to contribute troops,’ Touray said. ‘Our ministers for finance and defence are expected to meet before mid-June so that they will determine the source of funding for our regional counterterrorism force.’
The initiative comes at a time of growing instability and strained regional ties following the withdrawal of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS at the start of 2025.
Withdrawal of Sahel trio weakens fight
Touray warned that the exit of the three junta-led countries—who have formed their own bloc, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—is complicating cross-border military cooperation.
‘Disunity will make it difficult for us to collaborate to fight insecurity, including terrorism,’ he said, while calling for continued collaboration even in the face of political fracture. ‘Even if they have decided to stay out of ECOWAS, there should still be a way for us to collaborate to maintain regional security.’
In March, Niger also pulled out of a multinational task force involving Nigeria, Chad, and Cameroon, further weakening intelligence and joint patrols in the volatile Lake Chad area.
Nigeria, Benin bear the brunt
The urgency behind the new regional force is underscored by a string of deadly attacks. In April, jihadist groups killed over 100 people in northeast Nigeria in raids on military bases and rural communities.
In Benin, militants linked to al-Qaeda killed 54 soldiers in a single attack. Authorities blame the violence on militant spillover from Niger and Burkina Faso.
Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru, said earlier this year that the regional force would aim to ‘ensure the safety and security of our citizens’.
Sahel now global terror hotspot
According to the Global Terrorism Index, the Sahel was responsible for half of all terrorism-related deaths worldwide in 2024, underscoring the urgency for a coordinated response.
With borders largely unsecured and extremist groups exploiting fractured alliances, ECOWAS is under pressure to act swiftly.
Touray reiterated that political differences must not stand in the way of collective security. ‘The creation of this force is a critical step. Unity is essential to reclaim peace in the region,’ he said.
