The 12 member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have reportedly agreed to establish a new regional force to tackle growing jihadist threats across West Africa.
According to sources who spoke to AFP, the decision was reached during a meeting of military chiefs in Freetown over the weekend.
Talks centred on the escalating terrorist threat in the region, the spread of transnational organised crime and ongoing maritime security challenges.
The proposed force would initially comprise around 2,000 troops tasked with confronting “terrorism and insecurity” across West Africa. Rather than being permanently deployed abroad, the troops would remain based in their respective countries, with Sierra Leone acting as the logistical hub.
Key issues, including funding arrangements, are still under discussion, and ECOWAS has yet to release an official statement confirming the plan.
The move comes as the Sahel region continues to grapple with persistent insurgencies led by groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and Islamic State.
Militant activity has been especially intense in three former French colonies Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger which have withdrawn from ECOWAS in recent years following military coups.
The three nations have since formed their own alliance. However, a West African military chief indicated they would be encouraged to collaborate with the proposed ECOWAS force, noting that the trio lies at the heart of the Sahel’s jihadist conflict and should remain part of broader regional security efforts.
