ECOWAS Deploys Standby Force to Combat Insurgency and Regional Threats

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has activated its Standby Force to tackle terrorism, transborder crimes, and security threats across the region. The move underscores the bloc’s commitment to maintaining stability, peace, and economic growth within West Africa.
Speaking at the 43rd Ordinary Meeting of ECOWAS Committee Chiefs of Defence Staff in Abuja, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, stressed the importance of regional unity in addressing escalating security challenges.
“For economic growth to thrive, there must be peace. Member states must work together to counter all forms of threats destabilizing the region,” he said.
ECOWAS is navigating a period of uncertainty following the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, which became effective on January 29, 2025, after a mandatory one-year notice.
Despite their official departure, ECOWAS has urged member states to continue recognizing passports from the three nations bearing the ECOWAS logo in the “spirit of regional solidarity” until further notice.
The exit of these nations, all governed by military juntas, has fractured the regional bloc, with concerns over its long-term cohesion. The breakaway nations have accused ECOWAS of being overly influenced by France, a former colonial power, and have instead sought new alliances with Russia, Turkey, and Iran.
In response to their departure, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have formed a new regional bloc known as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The confederation aims to strengthen military and economic cooperation among the three nations, further complicating ECOWAS’ efforts to maintain regional unity.
Despite these shifts, ECOWAS remains focused on enhancing security cooperation, ensuring regional peace, and countering threats that undermine economic progress.