The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced that it requires approximately $2.61 billion to operationalize its proposed 5,000-strong ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF). This revelation was made by President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Touray, during a joint meeting of ECOWAS Ministers of Finance and Defence held in Abuja.
The meeting aimed to finalize the modalities for mobilizing funds to activate the regional anti-terrorism force. Dr. Touray emphasized that terrorism remains a significant threat to regional integration, prompting ECOWAS leaders to prioritize the creation of a military response force. He cited the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2025 report, which indicates that Africa has become the global epicentre of terrorism, with the Sahel region experiencing a surge in terrorist operations driven by political instability, weak governance, and prolonged conflicts.
In response to these growing threats, ECOWAS has adopted a multi-dimensional approach to counter-terrorism, including the development of a comprehensive strategy, establishment of a Standby Force, and regional collaboration on intelligence, training, and humanitarian interventions. The creation of the 5,000-man force is a top priority, with the goal of restoring peace and stability in the ECOWAS sub-region.
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, emphasized the region’s growing threats, including terrorism, violent extremism, transnational crime, and unconstitutional power grabs. He stressed the importance of aligning strategic objectives with predictable, sustainable, and transparent funding mechanisms. Potential funding options include adjustments to the Community Levy, recovery of levy arrears, GDP-based contributions, direct budget allocations, blended financing, and targeted partnerships.
Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Defence, retired Col. Brima Massaquoi, highlighted the need for effective counter-terrorism measures, including strong leadership, coordination, and capacity-building to strengthen regional preparedness and response capabilities. He urged the bloc to adopt inclusive and innovative financing models, including contributions from member states, partnerships with regional financial institutions, and the establishment of specialized regional security funds.
The operationalization of the ECOWAS Standby Force is a critical step towards enhancing regional security and stability. With the required funding, the force can effectively counter terrorist threats and promote economic integration, conflict resolution, governance, and human rights in the region. The next steps will involve mobilizing the necessary funds and implementing the proposed funding mechanisms to bring the ECOWAS Standby Force to fruition.
