President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria concluded his tenure as Chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government, passing the baton to President Julius Bio of Sierra Leone. During the 67th Ordinary Session held in Abuja, Nigeria, Tinubu expressed a sense of accomplishment and optimism for the future of the regional bloc, while also highlighting critical concerns and urging swift action on key initiatives. He emphasized the need for the ECOWAS Standby Force to transition from a conceptual stage to a fully operational reality, citing its importance in combating the escalating threats of terrorism and transnational crime plaguing the region.
Tinubu’s concern regarding the slow activation of the Standby Force underscores the urgency of addressing the security challenges facing West Africa. He had previously advocated for the creation of this force and a counter-terrorism center during the African High-level Meeting on Counter-Terrorism in Abuja in April 2024. He reiterated this call at the African Union Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in Ghana, proposing the exploration of alternative funding options for the $2.6 billion initiative. Despite his consistent efforts and the acknowledgment by member states of the force’s importance, the operationalization of the Standby Force lagged, prompting Tinubu’s renewed appeal for accelerated progress.
The outgoing ECOWAS Chair underscored the transnational nature of the security threats confronting the region, emphasizing that these challenges require a collective and coordinated response. Terrorist networks, driven by complex factors such as poverty, inequality, and social injustice, operate across borders and exploit activities like ransom-taking and illegal mining to finance and equip their operations. This interconnectedness necessitates a unified approach, with nations working in concert to strengthen regional security and counter the multifaceted threats.
Tinubu highlighted several achievements during his two-year chairmanship, notably the completion of the ECOWAS Military Logistics Depot in Sierra Leone. This depot, strategically positioned to provide critical equipment and logistical support to deployed forces, represents a significant step towards strengthening the region’s security infrastructure. Nigeria’s commitment to sea-lift and air-lift arrangements further enhances the depot’s effectiveness and demonstrates the country’s dedication to regional security. He also emphasized his diplomatic efforts to reintegrate Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger back into the ECOWAS fold, expressing optimism for their eventual return.
Beyond security concerns, Tinubu stressed the importance of economic cooperation and integration within West Africa. He called for a reduction in trade barriers and the empowerment of the private sector to unlock the region’s vast economic potential. He advocated for the swift implementation of critical infrastructure projects, including the West African Gas Pipeline, the West African Power Pool, and the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway. These initiatives, he argued, would serve as catalysts for development and foster greater regional integration, ultimately contributing to economic growth and stability.
Incoming Chair, President Bio, acknowledged the complexities of the challenges facing West Africa, particularly the rise of terrorism, political instability, and transnational crime. He recognized the strain on democratic processes within the region, with disruptions to constitutional order in some countries. Bio also highlighted the growing demand for accountability and transparency from citizens, especially the youth, who seek a greater stake in national affairs. He expressed his commitment to building upon the foundation laid by President Tinubu, emphasizing regional dialogue, economic recovery, and peacebuilding as key priorities for his tenure. The handover marked a transition in leadership but reaffirmed the collective commitment of ECOWAS members to address the region’s multifaceted challenges and work towards a more secure and prosperous future.
