The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has activated its Standby Force to address terrorism and other transborder crimes within the subregion.
Speaking at the 43rd Ordinary Meeting of ECOWAS Committee Chiefs of Defence Staff in Abuja on Tuesday, Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru said the economic growth of the region depends on sustained peace and security.
Badaru added that there is a need for members of ECOWAS to close ranks against all forms of threats against the region.
On January 29, 2025, ECOWAS recognised the exit of three of its former members Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic upon the expiration of a one-year notice period.
However, in “the spirit of regional solidarity”, ECOWAS asked its member countries to still recognise the national passports of the three exiting countries bearing the ECOWAS logo until further notice.
The departure of these nations has fractured the region and is leaving the ECOWAS grouping with an uncertain future.
The three junta-led countries formally notified ECOWAS of their plan for an “immediate” withdrawal in January 2024, citing the organisation’s excessive dependence on France in particular.
Paris has become the common enemy of the three juntas, which now favour partnerships with countries such as Russia, Turkey and Iran.
However, ECOWAS required one year’s notice for the departure to be effective — that deadline falls on January 29, 2025.
The three Sahelian countries have form a separate confederation called the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
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