ECOWAS Declares West Africa Most Stable Amid Terrorism Threats

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has stated that West Africa is the most stable region in Africa, despite facing significant threats from terrorism and violent extremism. Amb.

Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, noted that the sub-region has avoided disintegration due to preventive measures implemented by regional leaders. He highlighted the importance of ECOWAS’ peace and security architecture, early-warning systems, and counterterrorism initiatives in maintaining stability.

Musah pointed out that the absence of active interstate wars distinguishes West Africa from other African regions. He mentioned that ECOWAS has recognized terrorism as a direct threat to its regional integration goals and is establishing a Counterterrorism Brigade of approximately 1,500 personnel under the ECOWAS Standby Force framework.

Musah also warned that prolonged instability could jeopardize the region's integration agenda, attributing the rise of extremism to global fragmentation.