The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) plans to launch a joint counter-terrorism force to address the increasing threat of violent extremism throughout the sub-region.
Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, who chairs the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State, made the announcement on Sunday while speaking at the 68th Ordinary Session held in Abuja.
President Bio conveyed deep concern that multiple terror groups are exploiting the region’s fragile borders to conduct cross-border attacks and destabilize member states.
He explained that the purpose of the proposed joint security force is to strengthen collective defence and achieve better coordinated anti-terrorism responses among ECOWAS countries.
“We must strengthen border cooperation to counter terrorism,” the ECOWAS Authority chairman said.
He emphasized the need for closer intelligence sharing, coordinated military action and sustained political commitment to safeguard lives and restore stability across the region.
Also, President Bio has announced the appointment of the President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, as the pioneer Chairman of the ECOWAS Business Council.
The appointment is expected to 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.
Persecondnews reports that the ECOWAS Business Council is to serve as a platform for structured engagement between the public and private sectors, with a focus on boosting trade, industrialization and economic resilience across West Africa.
Details shortly…
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