ECOWAS Leaders Unite to Combat Terrorism, Deepen Regional Cooperation

ECOWAS Leaders Unite to Combat Terrorism, Deepen Regional Cooperation

Leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have resolved to intensify efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism while deepening regional cooperation to address growing security and development challenges across West Africa.

The resolution was reached at a recent ECOWAS summit, where heads of state and government expressed serious concern over the deteriorating security situation in several member states, particularly in the Sahel region, coastal countries, and border communities affected by insurgency, banditry, and organised crime.

In a joint communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the leaders agreed to strengthen intelligence sharing, improve border security, and enhance joint military operations to disrupt terrorist networks exploiting porous borders and governance gaps across the sub-region.

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They also reaffirmed their commitment to revitalising existing regional security frameworks, including coordinated task forces and defence initiatives, while promoting closer collaboration among national security and intelligence agencies.

Beyond security, the leaders stressed that lasting peace cannot be achieved through military action alone. They highlighted the need to address the root causes of terrorism, including poverty, youth unemployment, social exclusion, and political instability, through deeper economic integration and inclusive development policies.

The summit also reiterated ECOWAS’ commitment to democratic governance, constitutional order, and the rule of law, noting that political instability continues to fuel insecurity in parts of the region. Leaders agreed to sustain dialogue with member states undergoing political transitions to promote stability and unity.

ECOWAS leaders further called for stronger support from the international community, urging global partners to provide technical, financial, and logistical assistance to boost the sub-region’s counter-terrorism and peacekeeping capacity.

They emphasised that terrorism poses a collective threat to all member states, stressing that regional solidarity and cooperation remain critical to restoring peace, protecting civilians, and ensuring sustainable economic growth across West Africa.

The renewed commitment comes amid a surge in terrorist attacks, humanitarian crises, and mass displacement in parts of the ECOWAS region, raising concerns about wider regional destabilisation if coordinated action is not sustained.

ECOWAS Leaders Unite to Combat Terrorism, Deepen Regional Cooperation