- Charges ECOWAS Defence Chiefs To Safeguard Democracy
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has called on chiefs of defence staff of ECOWAS countries to work assiduously to prevent military takeovers and undemocratic change of government in their countries as it was attracting negative and dire economic consequences for the sub-region.
Gen. Musa made the call at the 42 ordinary meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff currently going at Defence Headquarters, Abuja with tackling insecurity and other threats like terrorism, and extremism topping the agenda
He noted that the threat of military coups must be eradicated as it negates the core responsibilities of the military profession. He said “recent challenges like the military coups in some countries in the region have had unintended consequences and have threatened our collective democratic values,”
“This threat must be destroyed as it negates our core responsibilities as military professionals.
“Let me, therefore, use this opportunity to emphasise that, as democratic countries, we in the military must uphold democratic values in line with our various constitutions.”
Expressing conviction that the meeting would help prevent coups and ensure peace and sustainable development for citizens in the West Africa region, Gen Musa said, “I am optimistic that this meeting will assist us in preventing such abnormalities while strengthening our collective resolve to bring about peace and sustainable development to our people. “Accordingly, the complexity of this meeting demands that we leverage our collective efforts, share intelligence, and coordinate our efforts across borders if we must solve these challenges.
“Thus, collaboration is paramount and I encourage you to address both the root causes and symptoms of this insecurity in our region. It is on this premise that the agenda for this meeting was carefully crafted to focus on critical areas and build on our previous engagements.”
The meeting will among other critical areas addressed include the proposed Air Force Security Support Mission in Sierra Leone, the Activation of the Air Force Standby Force Against Terrorism, the development of the Air Force Logistics Depot in Sierra Leone, and Air Force Peace Support Operations. The CDS said terrorism, insurgency, organised crime, violence and unconstitutional government takeovers threaten national security and undermine the socio-economic development of the entire region.
“Your presence here reflects a shared commitment and dedication towards living in a sustainable environment for the safety and well-being of our people.
“It demonstrates a collective drive to address the various community threats affecting the region through deliberate and concerted collaborative efforts.
“As leaders in our respective armed forces, we are all aware of the threats that confront our nations and regions. These threats include terrorism, insurgency, organised crime, violence, [and] recently, unconstitutional takeover of government and national politics. These challenges not only threaten our national security but also undermine the social fabric and socio-economic development of the entire region.” In his remarks, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed AbubakarBadaru reminded the top military chiefs that “the security landscape of West Africa is presently marked by both complex challenges and opportunities for cooperation.
“Accordingly, joint efforts towards countering terrorism, managing cross border crimes, hybrid threats, as well as enhancing transparency and vitality to safeguarding our nations and promoting sustainable development is vital.
