ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence Staff Ends 43rd Meeting in Abuja, Resolve on Collective Action and Counter-Terrorist Brigade.
By Raymond Enoch
The 43rd Ordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff (CCDS) has concluded with significant resolutions aimed at fortifying regional security in West Africa.
The meeting held from March 11 to 13, 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria, was a pivotal moment for the Committee as it sought collective solutions to the escalating security threats facing the region.
General Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff and Chairman of the CCDS, addressed his counterparts at the closing ceremony, underscoring the meeting’s crucial outcomes. He stressed the firm resolve of all members in addressing the security challenges in the region, stating, “In the course of our deliberations, we identified critical vulnerabilities to regional security and demonstrated our unwavering commitment to collective action.”
The meeting, which brought together top military officials from across West Africa, focused on key security concerns, including the fight against terrorism, the coordination of defence efforts, and the operational readiness of the ECOWAS Standby Force. General Musa highlighted the importance of collaborative action, saying, “We are united in our primary obligation to defend and protect our peoples from harm and insecurities.”
A major resolution that emerged from the discussions was the establishment of the ECOWAS Counter-Terrorist Brigade, a specialized force aimed at tackling the growing threat of terrorism in the region. This strategic initiative is expected to enhance the collective security framework of ECOWAS and provide a swift and coordinated military response to extremist groups.
In addition to the formation of the Counter-Terrorist Brigade, the CCDS reviewed several operational matters, including pledges for the ECOWAS Standby Force and the rotation of Staff Officers of Peace Support Operations. They also examined the logistics capabilities of the ECOWAS community, with a detailed presentation on the standard operating procedures for the ECOWAS logistics depot in Lungi, Sierra Leone, and the organization of equipment for the Standby Force.
The resolutions reached at this meeting are expected to significantly strengthen the regional security architecture and promote greater cooperation among ECOWAS member states in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, and other transnational threats.
In closing, General Musa expressed confidence that the results of the meeting would lead to tangible actions, saying, “These deliberations have laid the groundwork for concrete steps that will undoubtedly enhance the security of our nations and foster a safer and more prosperous West Africa.”
The 43rd Ordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence Staff marks a critical moment in the ongoing efforts to address the complex security challenges in West Africa. With a renewed commitment to collective action, the region stands poised to tackle these challenges head-on and work towards a more secure future for its citizens.
