President Akufo-Addo urges ECOWAS to establish standby force to combat regional instability

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has underscored the pressing need for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to establish a standby force, emphasizing its critical importance for safeguarding the region’s stability and security.

He pointed out that the creation of a dedicated ECOWAS standby force would be instrumental in addressing the recent surge in military coups and unconstitutional changes in government that have destabilized the West African sub-region.

During the opening of the second Africa Security Conference and Exhibition in Accra, President Akufo-Addo expressed his strong conviction that the formation of such a force is not only vital but long overdue.

According to him, the presence of this force would act as a powerful deterrent against those seeking to destabilize the region through unconstitutional means, as well as those who perpetuate violence through terrorism and insurgencies.

“I have no doubt that had it been in existence earlier, it would have served as a deterrent to the multiplicity of coups and the spread of terrorism. The establishment of this force is essential for maintaining regional stability and security. It will enable ECOWAS to respond swiftly and effectively to threats, uphold democratic governance, and promote peace across West Africa” he noted.

President Akufo-Addo’s remarks come in response to growing concerns over West Africa’s political and security landscape, which has been marked by a resurgence of military coups driven by political discontent and economic challenges.

These developments have raised alarm about the future of democracy in the region.

The ongoing threats of terrorism and insurgencies, particularly in countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, have further exacerbated the security challenges facing West Africa.

The President noted that at the most recent ECOWAS summit, regional leaders agreed to fast-track the formation of this standby force to confront these challenges directly.

“The ECOWAS authority agreed to bring the ECOWAS standby force into being as soon as possible,” he reiterated, emphasizing the need for urgent action to ensure a stable and democratic future for the region.