Abuja: The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced plans to activate a rapid deployment counter-terrorism brigade comprising 260,000 personnel to enhance the fight against terrorism in the region. Dr. Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, revealed this initiative at the inaugural African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit held in Abuja. Represented by Ambassador Abdel-Fattah Musah, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security at the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Touray emphasized the urgent need for this force.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, the force is intended to provide logistical and financial support to frontline states. Ministers of Finance and Defence from member countries are scheduled to convene in Abuja on Friday to finalize the modalities for a proposed annual budget of 2.5 billion dollars. Dr. Touray highlighted the necessity of substantial financial resources and capabilities to make this initiative a reality, urging bilateral and multilateral partners to support this regional effort.

The ECOWAS leader explained that the force would complement the African Union’s standby force framework under the African Peace and Security Architecture. He pointed out the alarming situation in the Sahel region, which has become a global terrorism hotspot, responsible for 51 percent of terrorism-related deaths worldwide in 2024. Dr. Touray noted that local communities, especially women and children, have been significantly impacted by the retreat of state forces and the coercive protection provided by jihadi groups.

Dr. Touray also highlighted the adverse effects of the war economy, exacerbated by illegal mining and illicit taxation, which further contribute to regional insecurity. He called on the African Union and the United Nations to support regional counter-terrorism operations, referencing the UN Security Council Resolution 2719 of December 2023, which committed to funding 75 percent of African-led peace support operations.