ECOWAS has convened financial and military experts in Abuja to develop a framework for sustainable financing and boost the operational capacity of its Standby Force, a regional mechanism to tackle terrorism and prevent political crises.
The three-day meeting, held from August 27 to 29, 2025, follows directives from the 67th Summit of Heads of State and comes as Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso exit the bloc, accusing it of inaction against jihadist threats and foreign influence.
Experts from member states’ finance and defense ministries are reviewing proposals such as adjustments to the community levy system and strategies for recovering unpaid contributions.
The Abuja gathering builds on earlier consultations, including a February 2025 session that validated key policies for enhancing the Standby Force’s logistics and operations. ECOWAS has already approved the deployment of 1,200 troops to Sierra Leone, with plans to activate a 5,000-strong Standby Force, including a 1,650-member counter-terrorism brigade.
Recent steps also include adopting a training framework for military, police, and civilian units, with emphasis on human rights, gender equality, and conflict prevention.
These efforts reflect the bloc’s push for a more responsive security system amid persistent extremist attacks in countries such as Benin, Nigeria, and Togo, and align with its long-term vision for a stable and resilient West Africa.
