Abuja, Nigeria – West Africa’s regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), is grappling with a critical decision: establishing a security force to combat terrorism. Defence and finance ministers convened in Abuja, Nigeria, on Thursday to discuss the force’s size and cost.
The region has been plagued by political instability, with military coups in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali leading to their withdrawal from ECOWAS in January. These countries have blamed civilian leadership for the rise of Islamist militants and sought alliances with Russia, further straining regional cooperation.
Two options are on the table. A 5,000-strong brigade would cost an estimated $2.6 billion annually, while a smaller force of 1,500 troops would require $481 million. Nigerian Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar stressed the seriousness of the situation, urging careful consideration due to both regional challenges and member states’ financial constraints. He emphasized that the force’s purpose is solely to combat terrorism and would not be used to intervene in coups. Each member state would contribute troops based on a quota system.
ECOWAS commission president Omar Touray emphasized the importance of inclusivity, even for suspended members. “We cannot fight terrorism alone,” Touray declared. “While some countries are under suspension, they should still be involved in security discussions. That’s why we invited all 15 member states to this crucial meeting.”
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