Combating terrorism tops agenda as ecowas ministers meet

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Combating Terrorism Tops Agenda as ECOWAS Ministers Meet

Abuja, Nigeria - The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has convened an emergency meeting of its Council of Ministers to discuss the growing threat of terrorism in the region. The meeting, which took place in Abuja, Nigeria, brought together ministers from the 15 member states to share intelligence, coordinate efforts, and develop a comprehensive strategy to combat terrorism.

The meeting was convened in response to the recent surge in terrorist attacks in the region, including the devastating attacks in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria. The ministers acknowledged that terrorism poses a significant threat to regional stability, economic development, and the well-being of citizens.

"We are gathered here today to address a common enemy that threatens our very existence," said the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, General Francis Behanzin. "We must work together to share intelligence, coordinate our efforts, and develop a comprehensive strategy to combat terrorism."

The ministers discussed the need for enhanced cooperation and coordination among member states to share intelligence, track terrorist movements, and disrupt their networks. They also emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of terrorism, including poverty, political instability, and social marginalization.

The meeting also focused on the need for regional and international cooperation to combat terrorism. The ministers welcomed the support of international partners, including the African Union, the European Union, and the United States, in the fight against terrorism.

"We appreciate the support of our international partners in the fight against terrorism," said the Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama. "We must work together to share intelligence, coordinate our efforts, and develop a comprehensive strategy to combat terrorism."

The meeting concluded with a commitment to intensify efforts to combat terrorism and to develop a comprehensive strategy to address the root causes of terrorism. The ministers also agreed to establish a high-level committee to oversee the implementation of the strategy and to report back to the ECOWAS Council of Ministers.

In the coming weeks, the ECOWAS Commission will develop a comprehensive strategy to combat terrorism, which will be presented to the Council of Ministers for approval. The strategy will focus on intelligence sharing, coordination of efforts, and addressing the root causes of terrorism.

The meeting was attended by ministers from all 15 ECOWAS member states, as well as representatives from the African Union, the European Union, and the United States.