By: Mnena Iyorkegh, Abuja
The Economic Community of West African States security experts have converged in Abuja on a two day validation meeting and training policy to be adopted by the ECOWAS standby force for its peace support operations, with a call for swift adoption and implementation of the finalised training policy by all stakeholders.
The meeting brought together Training Experts from ECOWAS Member States, technical experts, and strategic partners to finalise and Validate ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) Training Policy on Peace Support Operation.
The ECOWAS standby force was activated to address the rising insecurity in the sub-region.
The regional body, has so far activated its depot for deployment of soldiers for peace support operations.
In his opening address, the Acting Head of the Peace Support Operations Division, Dr. Sani Adamu explained the vision behind the policy and its relevance in today’s operational context.
“This policy is not simply a document, it is a framework that integrates human rights Observance, gender, civilian protection, and post-conflict recovery. It lays the foundation for a responsive and professional force that can meet the complexity of today’s peace support operations. For over a decade, we have envisioned a unified training doctrine. This process today brings that vision within reach. I commend the unwavering commitment of our experts and partners.”
He also noted that the training policy aims to combat readiness and conflict prevention, civilian prevention, human rights observance, and post-conflict rehabilitation.
“ Today, as we focus our attention on the development implementation of the ECOWAS Standby force training policy, we recognize the significance of this initiative in addressing the complex, dynamic challenges of Peacekeeping in West Africa. This policy is not only a guide but a comprehensive framework designed to enhance the skills, coordination, and readiness of our standby force, ensuring they are trained adequately to manage and resolve conflicts.”
According to Dr. Adamu, true security is not only about arms and strategy, but is also leveraging on collective strengths to foster a sustainable peace.
“ As we refine the operational readiness and effectiveness of the EST, we must recognise that true security is not only about arms and strategy, but it is also about leveraging our collective strengths and resources to foster a sustainable peace and security.
He further urged the experts to use the avenue create room for actionable outcomes.
“I urged you all to actively participate, share your perspectives, and help refine this policy to ensure that it meets the high standards we envisioned. Our commitment today will pave the way for actionable strategies and tangible outcomes in the field. By effecting ECOWAS standby force, therefore, we continue to support not just immediate crisis response, but also long-term peace-building initiatives, creating the conditions necessary for economic development and social progress across our region. This is an investment in our future, a future where the next generation can continue to grow up in a world free from fear of conflict”, he added.
Also speaking, Nigeria’s Coordinator for Peace Support Operations, Ministry of Defence, Major General Umar Abubakar, said that the session was designed to bring about experts to discuss the training policy, which will set the stage for the activation of ECOWAS’ standby force by member states.
“The main aim of this training policy was to ensure a consistent and effective training of the troops that will form up the ECOWAS’ standby force. This training comprises both education training, individual training and collective training and military exercise.
He said that the meeting was to validate the training policy draft for peace support operations across the region.
“Essentially, at the end of this meeting, we are expected to validate the draft training policy, which, like I said earlier, will set the stage for the activation and operationalisation of the ECOWAS’ standby force,” he said.
On her part, the representative of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, (GIZ), a German development agency, Also, Mrs. Yvonne Akpasom, emphasised the importance of a well-crafted training policy for ECOWAS peacekeeping personnel.
“A well-crafted training policy is essential because it ensures that ECOWAS’ personnel are adequately prepared to respond effectively to the conflict, security, and challenges that affect the region. It provides a clear framework for training, peace, programme design, delivery, and continuous personnel development, which are all crucial for operational readiness and rapid deployment of the standby policy on the ground.”
She also noted that the ECOWAS’ Peace, Security and Governance Project funded by the German agency for development, GIZ, primarily focuses on five key areas, which includes: “conflict prevention and crisis management, strengthening a secure, democratic, and human rights-based environment within the context of security sectors reform and governance, electoral support and democratic transition, women, youth, peace, and security, and strengthening ECOWAS’ training infrastructure”, she added
Mrs. Akpasom, reaffirmed the role of technical partners in supporting regional transformation.
“GIZ is proud to support ECOWAS in developing a training policy that is comprehensive, operational, and aligned with global standards. Your contribution to designing and validating this framework underscores our joint resolve to build a Standby Force that is capable, credible, and cohesive.”
The ECOWAS Commission’s further read reaffirmed commitment to strengthening peace support operations, preventive diplomacy, regional solidarity, and rapid response to crises across West Africa.
Hauwa M.