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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is set to establish a joint counter-terrorism force as part of renewed efforts to confront the growing threat of violent extremism across the sub-region.
The Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, and President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, disclosed this on Sunday while addressing the 68th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government held at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja.
President Bio expressed deep concern over the activities of multiple terror groups operating across West Africa, warning that they continue to exploit the fragility of the region’s borders to carry out cross-border attacks and destabilise member states.
According to him, the proposed joint security force is aimed at strengthening collective defence mechanisms and enhancing coordinated responses among ECOWAS countries in the fight against terrorism.
“We must strengthen border cooperation to counter terrorism,” the ECOWAS Authority chairman said, stressing 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.
The ECOWAS Business Council is designed to serve as a platform for structured engagement between the public and private sectors, with a focus on boosting trade, industrialisation and economic resilience across West Africa.
Details shortly…
