President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has called for the urgent establishment of a standby force by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to enhance stability and security in the region.
At the second Africa Security Conference and Exhibition in Accra, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the critical role a dedicated ECOWAS standby force would play in addressing the recent surge of military coups and unconstitutional changes in government in West Africa.
He highlighted the importance of this force as a deterrent to those seeking to destabilize the region through undemocratic means and those perpetrating violence through terrorism and insurgencies.
President Akufo-Addo expressed confidence that the timely formation of this force would have prevented past coups and terrorist activities in the region.
The West African political and security landscape has been marred by a series of military coups driven by political dissatisfaction and economic challenges, raising concerns about democracy in the region. The threats of terrorism and insurgencies in countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have further compounded the security challenges faced by West Africa.
President Akufo-Addo noted that the recent ECOWAS summit had agreed to expedite the establishment of the standby force to address these pressing issues.
He underscored the significance of swift action in securing a stable and democratic future for West Africa, emphasizing the role the standby force would play in upholding democratic governance and promoting peace in the region.
The call for the formation of an ECOWAS standby force comes at a crucial time when West Africa is grappling with security threats and political instability, highlighting the need for proactive measures to safeguard the region’s stability and democratic values.
