Abuja: The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) says having a sub-regional Standby Force (ESF) that can be swiftly deployed to quell conflicts is critical to ensuring peace, security, and development.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, Amb. Abdel-Fatah Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, emphasized the importance of the ESF during a meeting in Abuja. The meeting focused on the police/gendarmerie focal point for peace support operations within the ESF framework.

Musah described the ESF as a multidimensional force and a vital mechanism within the regional peace and security architecture. It is designed to quickly respond to regional conflicts as part of an African Standby Force brigade. The Commissioner highlighted the rapidly changing nature of threats and conflicts, which necessitates a dynamic and adaptive approach to policing, as well as the need for combat readiness, cooperation, collaboration, and coordination.

Represented by Dr. Sani Adamu, ECOWAS Director of Peacekeeping and Regional Security, Musah urged participants to leverage their collective strengths and resources to foster a sustainable environment of peace. He stated that an effective ECOWAS Standby Force supports not just immediate crisis response but also long-term peacebuilding initiatives, creating conditions necessary for economic development and social progress across the region.

Musah emphasized that refining the operational readiness and effectiveness of the ESF involves recognizing that true security is not solely about arms and strategy. It also involves leveraging collective strengths and resources to foster a sustainable environment of peace. He further noted that the ESF is an investment in a future where community citizens’ children can grow up in a world free from the fear of conflict.