In a bold show of regional leadership, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria has renewed the call for the establishment of a permanent ECOWAS standby force. Speaking at the 65th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Abuja, Tinubu emphasized that the West African sub-region must no longer be passive in the face of terrorism and insecurity.
President Tinubu stressed that regional peace cannot be achieved without regional action. He urged member states to prioritize collective security, noting that instability in one country eventually affects neighboring nations. His call for an ECOWAS standby force comes at a time when terrorism and violent extremism continue to threaten the lives and economies of countries across West Africa.
According to Tinubu, “We must stand united and act decisively. Our people deserve peace and prosperity, and we must give them that assurance.” He called for enhanced cooperation among ECOWAS countries and encouraged members to commit troops and logistics to the proposed standby force. Tinubu’s leadership in this regard highlights his readiness to champion regional peace and security.
The Tinubu ECOWAS standby force proposal is not entirely new. It builds on previous initiatives that have struggled due to inconsistent funding and weak political will. But Tinubu has made it clear that the region can no longer afford delays. He emphasized that security challenges have evolved, and so must the region’s approach. He urged fellow leaders to move from words to action and begin implementation immediately.
Nigeria, as the largest economy in West Africa, continues to carry a significant portion of the responsibility for regional security. President Tinubu pledged that Nigeria will contribute its fair share of personnel and resources to support the ECOWAS mission. He also called on wealthier global partners to support the initiative and help stabilize the region. Tinubu believes that peace in West Africa will enhance trade, education, and healthcare.
The proposed ECOWAS standby force would be mandated to respond swiftly to emerging threats. It would also help support democratic transitions and prevent unconstitutional changes of government. Recent coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have weakened the region’s democratic fabric, and Tinubu has consistently condemned such actions. He urged ECOWAS to take a firm stance on these issues and to protect democracy at all costs.
These discussions received support from several member states, including Ghana, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire. These countries expressed readiness to work together and build a resilient security framework. The leaders agreed to set up a working group to finalize the structure, command, and funding model for the force.
President Tinubu’s vision for the ECOWAS standby force is a bold step toward a secure and united West Africa. His speech was both passionate and pragmatic, and he reminded leaders that peace is not optional. Tinubu continues to show regional leadership, and his commitment to Africa’s stability reflects Nigeria’s influence on the continent.
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