The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called for serious steps in addressing the deteriorating situation in the sub-region. Experts from the ECOWAS made the call yesterday in Abuja during their Mediation and Security Council Meeting, discussing the growing insecurity issues in West African countries which hindered integration agendas and disturb regional stability.
Speaking at the meeting, Ghanaian Minister of foreign affairs and Council Chairperson Shirley Ayokor Botchwey said that all West African countries should practice caution against the growing activities of terrorist groups.
“Speaking on the backdrop of continual threat to our region, which could undermine integration agenda and regional stability. Attacks by terrorist and violent extremist groups are increasing across the region, leaving no member state spared as potential targets,” said Mrs Botchwey.
“In addition to this already difficult situation, is the military takeover in Guinea, after the one in Mali, weakening our community.”
The minister insisted that the “deteriorating security environment” in West Africa “from the Sahel region through the Lake Chad basin and beyond” needed serious attention from all members of the ECOWAS.
“Attacks from terrorists and violent extremists have moved with banditry kidnapping, farmer/herder dynamics, and transnational organised crime leaving a trail of death and destruction,” Mrs Botchwey continued.
“Indeed, the terrorist groups are currently testing border defences of coastal nations, intending to extend their reach to the member states along the Gulf of
Guinea.”
Nigeria was represented in the meeting by Ambassador Musa Nuhu, a Nigerian Permanent Representative to ECOWAS.
