ECOWAS Plans $2.6 Billion Annual Force to Combat Terrorism

The regional bloc ECOWAS said it requires up to $2.6 billion annually to establish a 5,000-strong security force aimed at combating terrorism. This was one of the options being considered by defense officials during a meeting held on Thursday.

Defense and finance ministers from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) gathered in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, to discuss the size of the potential force and the necessary funding.

Countries affected by coups in the region are dealing with political crises that have hindered regional cooperation. In January, military-ruled Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali decided to exit the 15-member union. Since 2020, soldiers in these three countries have staged coups, blaming civilian leaders for the spread of Islamist militant influence.

Nigerian Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar outlined two options for the regional force: one costing $2.6 billion annually for a brigade of 5,000 troops, and another costing $481 million for a force of 1,500 troops. Abubakar emphasized that this regional force would be dedicated to fighting terrorism and not reversing coups, with each member state expected to contribute a quota.

ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray stated that member countries under suspension would not be excluded from participating in the regional force.

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