ECOWAS Urgently Needs $2.6bn for Standby Force to Combat Terrorism

President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Touray, reveals that the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) requires approximately $2.6 billion to become operational.

During a joint meeting of ECOWAS Ministers of Finance and Defence in Abuja, Touray emphasized the urgent need to mobilize funds for the ESF to combat terrorism, a significant threat to regional integration. The creation of a military response force is crucial to address terrorist activities in West Africa, as highlighted in the Global Terrorism Index.

Touray warned that terrorism poses a serious risk to international trade, investment, and regional stability, particularly in the Sahel region. The ESF aims to enhance security, promote peace, and safeguard the free movement of people and goods across West African borders.