ECOWAS Approves Regional Counter-Terrorism Force
ECOWAS chiefs of staff endorsed a 1,650-troop counter-terrorism brigade to combat regional insecurity, marking a significant step after decades of failed attempts. The force, forming the core of the ECOWAS Standby Force, will draw contingents from Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal, with troops stationed in their home countries for rapid deployment. Despite the 2025 August announcement of a 260,000-troop force with a $2.5 billion budget, the scaled-down brigade addresses immediate operational needs. This initiative aims to restore ECOWAS credibility against terrorism spreading toward Gulf of Guinea nations, though challenges remain in securing predictable funding and overcoming political fragmentation with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The force requires well-equipped, trained units and cross-border coordination to counter asymmetric threats, with ECOWAS seeking AU support and UN funding under Resolution 2719.