The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has approved emergency security funding for five member countries as part of renewed efforts to combat terrorism and rising insecurity across the region.
At its 68th Ordinary Session held in Abuja, the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government directed the ECOWAS Commission to release 2.85 million US dollars each to Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria and Togo. The funds will be sourced from the Regional Security Fund and are subject to a review of the approved Plan of Action.
The decision comes amid growing security threats in the region, including terrorism, banditry and kidnappings. ECOWAS leaders strongly condemned the recent surge in attacks, particularly the abduction of schoolchildren in northern Nigeria, and expressed solidarity with the Nigerian people.
The Authority commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for swift actions taken by the Nigerian government to secure the release of victims and to intensify measures aimed at curbing insecurity.
ECOWAS leaders reaffirmed their commitment to eradicating terrorism within the sub-region and called on the international community, including the African Union and the United Nations Security Council, to urgently respond to the needs of countries affected by terrorism in a coordinated manner.
The Authority also urged member states to sustain engagement with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to strengthen cooperation in addressing the deteriorating security situation, especially in the Sahel.
In addition, ECOWAS directed the Commission to fast-track the operationalisation of the Regional Counterterrorism Brigade. This includes convening urgent meetings of the Committee of Chiefs of Intelligence Services and the Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff to advance the activation of the force.
The emergency funding and renewed security measures underscore ECOWAS’ resolve to protect lives, restore stability and strengthen collective security across West Africa.
