Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs , Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, who is also the Chairman, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Mediation and Security Council has called for comprehensive efforts to address terrorism, extreme violence, trans border crimes and humanitarian crises in the ECOWAS region.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs made the call at the 53rd Session of the Mediation and Security Council meeting held at the Ministerial Level in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
The meeting underscored the region’s commitment to collective security, democratic governance, and economic development amid increasing political, security, and humanitarian crises.
Declaring the meeting open, Ambassador Tuggar, lamented on the escalating threats of terrorism, violent extremism, and transnational organized crime confronting the region, saying the challenges needs collective action and regional cooperation.
“As the ECOWAS Regional Action Plan on the Fight Against Terrorism concludes this year, this meeting offers a critical opportunity to chart a forward-looking strategy to bolster our collective security architecture and sustain the momentum in addressing these threats. Our region also faces a dire humanitarian situation, with millions affected by displacement, food insecurity, and climate-related disasters, including devastating floods. It is imperative that we intensify efforts to address these challenges comprehensively, with a view to ensuring that no community is left behind.
He highlighted the importance of political stability as the foundation for regional development.
“Without stability, the aspirations of our people for prosperity and progress will remain unfulfilled. We must strengthen governance frameworks and promote inclusive, peaceful political transitions .
Noting that : The agenda also includes critical discussions on the operationalization of the National Early Warning and Response Centres and a presentation by GIABA on combating money laundering and terrorist financing, both are essential to strengthening regional resilience against emerging threats.”
Ambassador Tuggar, also stressed that despite the challenges faced in the sub-region, so much progress has been achieved in the sub-region.
“Despite these challenges, it is essential to recognize the progress we have collectively achieved. A notable milestone is the significant improvement in maritime security within the ECOWAS Maritime Domain (EMD), where no piracy incidents were reported in 2024. This success is attributed to enhanced maritime infrastructure deployment and the successful SAFE DOMAIN III operation conducted by Benin, Nigeria, and Togo, which safeguarded critical infrastructure and deterred illegal activities.”
The Foreign Affairs Minister, informed the members that Nigeria has engaged key stakeholders, including the African Union, the United Nations, and Member States, to develop comprehensive strategies to address the challenges confronting our region, in line with the Authority’s directive to maintain regional unity.
Stressing that the engagements, have reinforced the critical importance of solidarity and partnership in securing lasting peace and stability.
“As we look ahead, let us remain mindful that peace and stability in West Africa are prerequisites for the prosperity and development of our region. I call on all Member States to renew their commitment to working together in solidarity and shared purpose to overcome the challenges we face and to build a more secure, peaceful, and prosperous West Africa.” he stated
He further commended the Republic of Ghana for the successful conduct of its presidential and parliamentary elections on 7th December 2024.
He said: “This achievement reaffirms Ghana’s unwavering commitment to democratic governance and serves as an enduring inspiration to the region”.
Also speaking, the President of the ECOWAS Commission Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, stressed that as the regional body prepare to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of regional integration efforts, it is still faced with the impending withdrawal of some member states.
Which calls for a rethink of the future.
“While it is essential to reflect on the significant achievements made by ECOWAS over the past decades, it is also important to reflect on the future of the community with our people separated by political exigencies. Indeed, we have a lot to celebrate: our common economic space where our people can move, settle and do business without difficulties, supported by our common identity as ECOWAS Citizens holding either a common passport or biometric identification card”, he said
As deliberations continue, the leaders remain optimistic that the outcomes of this session will further cement ECOWAS’s role as a beacon of peace, stability, and progress for the region.
The 53rd Mediation and Security Council meeting, marks a pivotal moment for ECOWAS as it navigates complex regional and global dynamics while striving to secure a prosperous future for its people.
Hauwa M.
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