ECOWAS–UK High-Level Talks: Crisis Response and Preparedness Take Centre Stage. By Raymond Enoch
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has reinforced its growing security partnership with the United Kingdom following a high-level consultations with the UK’s Chief of Joint Force Operations, Brigadier Dan Duff, in Abuja, Nigeria.
The meeting, held on February 3, 2026, was convened through the ECOWAS Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) and brought together senior officials from both sides to review shared experiences in crisis response operations and military preparedness.
Brigadier Duff led a three-man UK delegation to the talks, which were hosted by the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Dr. Abdel-Fatau Musah.
At the heart of the engagement were discussions on preparedness for the rapid deployment of military forces in times of crisis, coordination mechanisms during emergency operations, and lessons learned from past regional and international interventions. Both parties examined practical approaches to strengthening response capacity in fragile and conflict-affected environments, particularly within the West African sub-region.
Dr. Musah highlighted the importance of sustained partnerships in addressing evolving security challenges, noting that ECOWAS continues to prioritise collaboration that enhances regional stability and peacebuilding efforts. He emphasised that shared learning and operational cooperation with partners such as the United Kingdom are critical to improving early response and effective crisis management.
Brigadier Duff reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to deepening its long-standing relationship with ECOWAS, describing the discussions as timely and mutually beneficial. He stressed the value of aligning operational strategies and exchanging expertise to ensure readiness in the face of emerging threats.
The meeting also reviewed the broader ECOWAS–UK relations, with both sides expressing satisfaction with the level of cooperation achieved so far and a willingness to explore further areas of collaboration in security and peace operations.
The Abuja talks underscore ECOWAS’ determination to strengthen its institutional and operational capacity through strategic international partnerships, as the region continues to confront complex security and humanitarian challenges.
