The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, has raised fresh concerns over the growing wave of terrorism across West Africa and the Sahel, describing it as an existential threat to regional stability.
He issued the warning while briefing the United Nations Security Council during its 10047th meeting on counter terrorism cooperation. According to a statement released on Friday in Abuja, the escalation of violent extremism continues to undermine peace and development within the sub region.
Dr Touray noted that terrorist groups are increasingly adopting new strategies that target critical economic sectors. He explained that the militants are now waging what he described as economic warfare by disrupting fuel supplies and obstructing major trade routes that are essential for both Sahelian and coastal West African countries. He stressed that such tactics are deepening insecurity and worsening the humanitarian challenges faced by millions of people.
During his briefing, the ECOWAS Commission President also highlighted ongoing regional initiatives designed to address the root causes of extremism. These include renewed efforts to restore trust and rebuild political dialogue with Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, the three member states that withdrew from the bloc earlier in the year. He said the organisation remains committed to tackling the socio economic conditions that fuel radicalisation.
Touray further outlined both kinetic and non kinetic counter terrorism strategies currently being implemented by ECOWAS. A major component of these interventions is the fast tracked operationalisation of the ECOWAS Standby Force, which is intended to strengthen collective security responses across member states. He emphasised that the region must combine military efforts with preventive measures to effectively confront the ongoing threat.
The statement added that UN Secretary General António Guterres also addressed the Security Council, expressing deep concern over the deteriorating security and humanitarian conditions in the Sahel. Guterres called for stronger regional and international cooperation, stressing that only a unified approach can stem the rise of violent extremism affecting millions of vulnerable citizens.
The meeting was chaired by President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, who currently chairs the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. He reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to partnering with the UN, African Union and other stakeholders in safeguarding peace, stability and resilience across West Africa and the Sahel.