The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced an ambitious plan to establish a 260,000-strong rapid intervention force as part of regional efforts to strengthen the fight against terrorism amid escalating security challenges.
The announcement was made at the inaugural summit of African Chiefs of Defence Staff in Abuja. ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Touray described the initiative as “an urgent necessity” given the asymmetric threats facing the region.
He explained that the new force will provide logistical and financial support to countries most affected by terrorism. Finance and defense ministers from ECOWAS member states are scheduled to meet in Abuja next Friday to finalize funding mechanisms, with the annual cost estimated at around $2.5 billion.
Dr. Touray further noted that the force will operate in coordination with the African Union’s Standby Force, within the framework of the African Peace and Security Architecture. He also urged the African Union and the United Nations to back anti-terrorism operations in the region.
