I Am Confident, The Outcome From Our Discussions And Deliberations Would Address The Challenges Facing Our Region – General Musa
AN Okwuolise, Abuja
The 43rd Ordinary Meeting Of the ECOWAS Committee of the Chiefs of Defence Staff in Abuja ended on 13 March 2025, with the Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff who is also the Chairman ECOWAS Committee of the Chiefs of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwanbi Musa declared it closed, promised to continue the fight in the region with their collective efforts for them to win this war against terrorism.
General Musa in his closing remarks took cognisance of Defence Chiefs Identifying some critical vulnerabilities to regional security, and demonstrated their experiences towards tackling these challenges that have befallen the Sub Region.
He said “As we wrap-up the 43rd Ordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of the Chiefs of Defence Staff, I am delighted to note that this meeting has been most rewarding. Deliberations have been sincere and forthright with our collective security being accorded the desired priority.
“In the course of our deliberations, we identified critical vulnerabilities to regional security and demonstrated our firm resolve towards addressing these threats. As expected, there were areas of concern between members but more importantly there was firm resolve on the need for collective action.
“This is the spirit of this gathering which is firmly rooted in a resolute commitment to meeting our primary obligation as members of the armed and defence forces of our respective countries which is to defend and protect our peoples from harm and insecurities.
“Within the past days, we have deliberated over critical security concerns in the West African Sub Region. Some of these areas, include the review of pledges for ECOWAS Standby Force, consideration of pledges for ECOWAS Counter-terrorist Brigade and the rotation of Staff Officers of Peace Support Operation Divisions and ECOWAS Standby Force.
“Others were the presentation on the outcome of the Governmental Experts Meeting on the ECOWAS Logistics Concept and Standing Operating Procedures for ECOWAS Logistics Depot in Lungi. The Meeting also provided an opportunity to review the report of last ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Naval Staff Meeting.
“Furthermore, a presentation was made on Standardization of the Table of Equipment for ECOWAS Standby Force. I am therefore confident that the outcome and recommendations from our discussions and deliberations will address the issues and challenges facing our region.
“Our deliberations have been fruitful, productive and would definitely lead to concrete actions that will further strengthen our collective efforts towards achieving a more secure and prosperous Community”.
The meeting started on 11 to 13 March 2025 in Defence Headquarters, Abuja, with all the ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence Staff in attendance.
