The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) presented its comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy to the United Nations Security Council during a high-level session on January 21, 2025, held under the presidency of Algeria. The session focused on promoting international support for African-led counter-terrorism efforts, emphasizing the integration of socio-economic development into response strategies.
Representing ECOWAS, Ambassador Kinza Jawara-Njai, the organization’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations, detailed the measures implemented to combat terrorism in the West African region. These measures include the adoption of the ECOWAS Plan of Action for the Eradication of Terrorism, the activation of the ECOWAS Standby Force, and the introduction of kinetic means in intervention strategies. Ambassador Jawara-Njai highlighted that these initiatives aim to strengthen ECOWAS’s capacity to effectively respond to the evolving terrorist threats within the region.
This presentation comes at a crucial time for ECOWAS, which has faced growing criticism from some Sahelian countries. These countries, grappling with the rise of jihadist groups, have expressed concerns about the organization’s perceived inaction in addressing the escalating security challenges. By presenting its counter-terrorism strategy to the UN Security Council, ECOWAS aims to demonstrate its commitment to combating terrorism and to garner international support for its efforts.
The session aimed to foster international cooperation and support for African-led counter-terrorism initiatives. By integrating socio-economic development strategies into counter-terrorism responses, the UN Security Council seeks to address the root causes of terrorism and promote sustainable peace and security in Africa.
This presentation underscores the critical role of regional cooperation and international support in combating terrorism in Africa. By combining military and security measures with socio-economic development strategies, African countries can effectively address the root causes of terrorism and build a more peaceful and prosperous future for the region.
